Generally, I'm not a huge fan of the Theatre of the Living Arts. It's small, and tends to attract a lot of hipsters to see hipster bands and do hipster things. However, every once and a while you get a calendar like this:
LMFAO: Canceled their show. :(
Imogen Heap: December 1st, 8pm
Railroad Earth: December 12th 8pm. *Personal plug for RE: I LOVE THEM.
Galactic with Tea Leaf Green: February 4th 9pm
And I'm spent.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Electric Factory.Highlights Through January.
Disco Biscuits.
If you didn't get excited about that opening, you've never heard of them. BUT, don't get too upset, because the neo hippie electronic classic rock-y trace-y band we all love will be gracing the Electric Factory on November 27th and 28th. $32.00 for one ticket, and $60 for a 2-day pass. What I love so much about this band is that you could buy a two day pass and not hear a SINGLE song repeat. Every show is completely different and completely awesome.
Get the Led Out and Badfish.
Not playing together; Led is on December 11th and Badfish is December 18th. They are both tribute band though, so I found it appropriate. As I've mentioned before, Get the Led Out is a totally great Zeppelin clone and Badfish is a not as great but pretty damn close Sublime clone. Both tickets go for around $21. Also, Badfish is sponsored by Miller Lite so there will probably be some decent deals on beer. Or at least some free shit.
State Radio.
January 30th, tickets are pretty cheap. State Radio is the dude from Dispatch and some other dudes who play pretty decent, but equally as political songs that vaguely resemble Dispatch. They're cool though because along with sweet tunes, they're also really philanthropic. All the profit from their last tour went to help poverty stricken families in Zimbabwe, and they often play free shows in parks and centers around the U.S. So good for them.
That's all for now, other venue updates to come.
I'll be bach.
If you didn't get excited about that opening, you've never heard of them. BUT, don't get too upset, because the neo hippie electronic classic rock-y trace-y band we all love will be gracing the Electric Factory on November 27th and 28th. $32.00 for one ticket, and $60 for a 2-day pass. What I love so much about this band is that you could buy a two day pass and not hear a SINGLE song repeat. Every show is completely different and completely awesome.
Get the Led Out and Badfish.
Not playing together; Led is on December 11th and Badfish is December 18th. They are both tribute band though, so I found it appropriate. As I've mentioned before, Get the Led Out is a totally great Zeppelin clone and Badfish is a not as great but pretty damn close Sublime clone. Both tickets go for around $21. Also, Badfish is sponsored by Miller Lite so there will probably be some decent deals on beer. Or at least some free shit.
State Radio.
January 30th, tickets are pretty cheap. State Radio is the dude from Dispatch and some other dudes who play pretty decent, but equally as political songs that vaguely resemble Dispatch. They're cool though because along with sweet tunes, they're also really philanthropic. All the profit from their last tour went to help poverty stricken families in Zimbabwe, and they often play free shows in parks and centers around the U.S. So good for them.
That's all for now, other venue updates to come.
I'll be bach.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Perpetual Groovification
Perpetual Groove played at the Note in West Chester last Friday. Although it doors opened at 8pm, they didn't take off until 10:30, leaving plenty of time to...prepare.
This was my first show at The Note, I had been there for drinks and open mics before, but never a headliner. You can buy your tickets here for any shows at The Note and then just say your name at the door to pick them up. They stamp your hand and you're good to go. I spent half my time on the dance floor and half (roughly) upstairs on the balcony which also comes equipped with a bar. Balcony view is insane, it's built so low that you can still see and hear perfectly, you're just suspended above all the drunk sweaty people who may or may not try to dance and/or vomit on you. However, when you're on the dance floor, it's just a fantastic as the balcony. Enough about the venue, how about the show?!?!
Last time I saw PGroove I was all out of sorts at Bonnaroo and remember thinking that the band's name was a literal metaphor for their music. This time I was a little less intuitive and just trying to see a great show. The took the stage a little after 10:30 and the place was packed with West Chester's finest hippie chicks and bohemian bros. What I loved most about these guys was that they hardly ever stopped between songs (I suppose that's the perpetual part) and their transitions were almost invisible. They teased with an intro and eventually gave in and broke into Fatboy Slim's hit "Praise You" which everyone knew. It was definitely a fun show, although I did grow a bit bored by the end after the second set was half way finished. If I could have added anything to the show, it would have been some sort of visual. There was some sort of "psychedelic" projector making designs on the wall, but they came and went unmentionably.
So discussion time. The Note. Definitely a cool venue, but some people seem to let that fact be overshadowed by the fact that it's owned by a "douche" or that it's so small. So lets hear it. What are your thoughts on The Note on Market St? As a bar or venue.
This was my first show at The Note, I had been there for drinks and open mics before, but never a headliner. You can buy your tickets here for any shows at The Note and then just say your name at the door to pick them up. They stamp your hand and you're good to go. I spent half my time on the dance floor and half (roughly) upstairs on the balcony which also comes equipped with a bar. Balcony view is insane, it's built so low that you can still see and hear perfectly, you're just suspended above all the drunk sweaty people who may or may not try to dance and/or vomit on you. However, when you're on the dance floor, it's just a fantastic as the balcony. Enough about the venue, how about the show?!?!
Last time I saw PGroove I was all out of sorts at Bonnaroo and remember thinking that the band's name was a literal metaphor for their music. This time I was a little less intuitive and just trying to see a great show. The took the stage a little after 10:30 and the place was packed with West Chester's finest hippie chicks and bohemian bros. What I loved most about these guys was that they hardly ever stopped between songs (I suppose that's the perpetual part) and their transitions were almost invisible. They teased with an intro and eventually gave in and broke into Fatboy Slim's hit "Praise You" which everyone knew. It was definitely a fun show, although I did grow a bit bored by the end after the second set was half way finished. If I could have added anything to the show, it would have been some sort of visual. There was some sort of "psychedelic" projector making designs on the wall, but they came and went unmentionably.
So discussion time. The Note. Definitely a cool venue, but some people seem to let that fact be overshadowed by the fact that it's owned by a "douche" or that it's so small. So lets hear it. What are your thoughts on The Note on Market St? As a bar or venue.
Those Temple Kids Have it So Good
So the Liacouras Center is located at Temple University and always has bangin shows that I miss. It's definitely not hard to find, it's right on Broad St., but Temple students have priority with tickets so there are a few instances where everyone else doesn't get a chance to go. I've never been to the venue for a show, so I can't comment on that, but I can say that they have great line ups.
For example, Bob Dylan. Yup. November 9, 2009 Dylan and his Band will grace the stage at the Liacouras Center. Temple kids pay just $40, everyone else pays $50. You should go.
I've seen Dylan twice, and only enjoyed it once. Most recently (August) it was at the Coca Cola Center where he played with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp. It was fantastic and his stage set up was awesome; he and his band all wore huge white hats and the back curtain was plastered with twinkling lights (it was dark outisde). He played a ton of new stuff no one knew but threw in some goodies like "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" and "Lepord Skin Pill Box Hat". His encore included Watchtower and "Like A Rolling Stone", which is funny because when I saw him back in 2006, he played the exact same encore. I definitely didn't mind.
Also going on at Temple is an artist mash up called "Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia". It's headlined by the O'Jays (amazing) and also includes The Delfonics, Jerry Butler, Russel Thomkins Jr, and a few other artists I've never heard of. It's happenin on 11/14 at 6pm. Tickets are $55-$75 bucks (these guys are classics!) and can be purchased at the Temple site of LiveNation.
I've also heard rumors that Lupe Fiasco will be there for Temple's Homecoming. Updates when I get them.
For example, Bob Dylan. Yup. November 9, 2009 Dylan and his Band will grace the stage at the Liacouras Center. Temple kids pay just $40, everyone else pays $50. You should go.
I've seen Dylan twice, and only enjoyed it once. Most recently (August) it was at the Coca Cola Center where he played with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp. It was fantastic and his stage set up was awesome; he and his band all wore huge white hats and the back curtain was plastered with twinkling lights (it was dark outisde). He played a ton of new stuff no one knew but threw in some goodies like "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" and "Lepord Skin Pill Box Hat". His encore included Watchtower and "Like A Rolling Stone", which is funny because when I saw him back in 2006, he played the exact same encore. I definitely didn't mind.
Also going on at Temple is an artist mash up called "Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia". It's headlined by the O'Jays (amazing) and also includes The Delfonics, Jerry Butler, Russel Thomkins Jr, and a few other artists I've never heard of. It's happenin on 11/14 at 6pm. Tickets are $55-$75 bucks (these guys are classics!) and can be purchased at the Temple site of LiveNation.
I've also heard rumors that Lupe Fiasco will be there for Temple's Homecoming. Updates when I get them.
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Electric Factory Never Disappoints
Although I'm pumped for Ratdog at Tower, I'm ecstatic about this month's line up at the Electric Factory. The E Factory is located on the 400 block of N. 7th St. in Philly and is loved by all for the danceability of the venue and also for the lack of security in the lot. (Balloons anyone?)
It's not my particular style of music, but Grizzly Bear and Beach House will be kicking off October this Wednesday at 8p.m. Tickets are only $26.00 (not counting the extra fees).
Following on Saturday October 10th is a personal favorite, The Mars Volta. Doors open at 8:30p.m.and tickets are only $35. Whether they're described at experimental rock, progressive rock, or jazz fusion, it's fitting. The show is going to be epic and if you've never heard The Mars Volta, I promise it will be the best $35 you've ever spent.
Insane Clown Posse is playing on October 15th. I won't be going and suggest you don't either.
Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out is rockin the E Factory on October 23rd at 8:30. Tickets are (gasp!) only $22.50. If you're too young to have seen Zeppelin live or are looking for a nostalgic show, I highly suggest this band. I have definitely heard people strongly oppose covering Zeppelin, but if any group of musicians do them justice, Get the Led Out succeeds. It wouldn't be fair to call them a cover band, because they really do pay tribute to the best rock and roll band of all time.
Speaking of tribute bands, Dark Star Orchestra is scheduled for November 7. The Grateful Dead tribute band combines Ratdog and Phil Lesh and Friends to cover classic Dead singles ("Truckin" is a guarantee) just as well as classic Dead transitions ("China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider"). Tickets are $25 big ones.
Getting a little ahead of myself, the Disco Biscuits are playing in late November. More info in next month's post, but if you're a Biscuit head or have ever been curious about them, the Electric Factory is the place to see them.
As always, additional info and ticket sales can be found at LiveNation.com
It's not my particular style of music, but Grizzly Bear and Beach House will be kicking off October this Wednesday at 8p.m. Tickets are only $26.00 (not counting the extra fees).
Following on Saturday October 10th is a personal favorite, The Mars Volta. Doors open at 8:30p.m.and tickets are only $35. Whether they're described at experimental rock, progressive rock, or jazz fusion, it's fitting. The show is going to be epic and if you've never heard The Mars Volta, I promise it will be the best $35 you've ever spent.
Insane Clown Posse is playing on October 15th. I won't be going and suggest you don't either.
Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out is rockin the E Factory on October 23rd at 8:30. Tickets are (gasp!) only $22.50. If you're too young to have seen Zeppelin live or are looking for a nostalgic show, I highly suggest this band. I have definitely heard people strongly oppose covering Zeppelin, but if any group of musicians do them justice, Get the Led Out succeeds. It wouldn't be fair to call them a cover band, because they really do pay tribute to the best rock and roll band of all time.
Speaking of tribute bands, Dark Star Orchestra is scheduled for November 7. The Grateful Dead tribute band combines Ratdog and Phil Lesh and Friends to cover classic Dead singles ("Truckin" is a guarantee) just as well as classic Dead transitions ("China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider"). Tickets are $25 big ones.
Getting a little ahead of myself, the Disco Biscuits are playing in late November. More info in next month's post, but if you're a Biscuit head or have ever been curious about them, the Electric Factory is the place to see them.
As always, additional info and ticket sales can be found at LiveNation.com
Ratdog Headlines a Great Month at Tower Theatre
Bob Weir, rhythm guitarist for the Grateful Dead, is playing two shows at Tower Theatre in Upper Darby this week with his faithful band Ratdog. The Friday show also happens to fall on Bobby's birthday.
The show is on Friday October 16th and and encore will be the next day. Doors open at 8p.m. and you can pick up a ticket for 40.00 at LiveNation.com. Grated, buying from LiveNation will cost you an additional $10 or so due to their bullshit "processing fees", but it should be worth it. Tower Theatre is within walking distance from the 69th Street station and, for those of you in the West Chester area, is a mere $2.50 bus ride on the Septa. Although Ratdog has been reprimanded for not sticking to the Dead songs we all know and love, personal experience has proved that 20 minute versions of Dark Star and the beloved Wharf Rat are almost sure to make an appearance.
Also coming to the Tower Theatre soon is the Australian Pink Floyd Show. Tickets go for $45.00-$55.00 and doors open at 8p.m. on October 23. Although I've never seen them, I've read multiple reviews praising not only their sound but also the accompanying light show. I have, however, seen another Pink Floyd tribute band called The Machine, and if the Australian version is anything similar, it is sure not to disappoint.
Other notable acts this month at the Tower include Gov't Mule on Halloween, Steely Dan (November 20), and John Fogerty (November 28).
The show is on Friday October 16th and and encore will be the next day. Doors open at 8p.m. and you can pick up a ticket for 40.00 at LiveNation.com. Grated, buying from LiveNation will cost you an additional $10 or so due to their bullshit "processing fees", but it should be worth it. Tower Theatre is within walking distance from the 69th Street station and, for those of you in the West Chester area, is a mere $2.50 bus ride on the Septa. Although Ratdog has been reprimanded for not sticking to the Dead songs we all know and love, personal experience has proved that 20 minute versions of Dark Star and the beloved Wharf Rat are almost sure to make an appearance.
Also coming to the Tower Theatre soon is the Australian Pink Floyd Show. Tickets go for $45.00-$55.00 and doors open at 8p.m. on October 23. Although I've never seen them, I've read multiple reviews praising not only their sound but also the accompanying light show. I have, however, seen another Pink Floyd tribute band called The Machine, and if the Australian version is anything similar, it is sure not to disappoint.
Other notable acts this month at the Tower include Gov't Mule on Halloween, Steely Dan (November 20), and John Fogerty (November 28).
Monday, September 28, 2009
Robert Randolph Rocks
I thought I'd share my experience this weekend seeing Robert Randolph and Dave Matthews perform at the Tweeter (ok, ok fine. Susquehanna Bank) Center on Saturday.
I should start by saying I'm not considered a Dave Matthews fan. I love the music, enjoy the band, and know a plethora of songs, however for such a cult following, that is not enough. I was, however, lucky enough to win two tickets to their September 19th show in Camden after entering a raffle at a bar. This was convenient, because it was my roommate's birthday and I had yet to think of a present for her. Problem solved.
Gates opened at 7:00. For those of you unfamiliar with the venue, there are 4 or 5 different lots you can park/tailgate in; all of which have their own thing going on. Parking was $20, which I couldn't complain about with free tickets, and we were instructed to park behind the huge warehouse to the left of the venue. The lot wasn't as poppin as it has been the last few times I've visited the Sus. Bank Center, I'm not sure whether it had to do with the crowd or the fact that it was fairly heavily monitored by staff members. Our seats were on the lawn, about four rows back from the VIP seats and a little to the left. The lawn is set up on a hill, so no matter how far back, you can still see the stage.
Robert Randolph and the Family band hit the stage at 7:00 exactly. The opened with a slow jazzy-jammy number to get the crowd warmed up for their next song: an incredibly convincing rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze". The 7 minute cover went places Hendrix wouldn't have touched and really set the stage for a fantastic night. Two songs later, Randolph exited the stage and never came back for the encore we were all requesting.
At this point I left to purchase a "Jumbo" margarita which may or may not have impaired my memory for the Dave set, but I will do my best.
Dave Matthews Band came out around 8:07 (I happened to be looking at my phone) and began with a medly of sound checking tunes that were played behind a sheer white curtain. They teased us with some notes from various DMB classics and after a 10 minute build up, started into "Funny the Way It Is" with a fantastic energy which was emphasized by the curtain being dropped on the first note. Although it's a fairly newer song, everyone knew the words and, as a fan behind me said "That was so good, everything after this is just a bonus". The lights and energy were addicting, and since it was my first Dave show, I was in awe.
He followed with an ignorable "Seven" and a decent version of "Why I Am", which I wasn't familiar with. Next came "The Best of What's Around" which got me a little more excited because I could sing along with the song. A few songs later, (full set list can be found at setlist.fm) a phoenomenal version of "You Might Die Trying" brought the show back around.
I found it a little bit hard to get into the show and stay with it, and those "true" fans I've spoken to agree. Although I was pumped when they started the classic "Where Are You Going?" I found it to be slightly duller than the studio version. By far the highlight for me was the closer, "Jimi Thing", where Dave and the band went for a balls to the wall jam session and succeeded.
The encore consisted of "Baby Blue", "The Maker" (a Daniel LAnois cover), and "Time Bomb". A bit boring, I though they may play "Two Step" just to please the fans, but alas I was wrong. All in all it was a great show, but I don't think I got the full experience with this one. Just my thoughts.
I should start by saying I'm not considered a Dave Matthews fan. I love the music, enjoy the band, and know a plethora of songs, however for such a cult following, that is not enough. I was, however, lucky enough to win two tickets to their September 19th show in Camden after entering a raffle at a bar. This was convenient, because it was my roommate's birthday and I had yet to think of a present for her. Problem solved.
Gates opened at 7:00. For those of you unfamiliar with the venue, there are 4 or 5 different lots you can park/tailgate in; all of which have their own thing going on. Parking was $20, which I couldn't complain about with free tickets, and we were instructed to park behind the huge warehouse to the left of the venue. The lot wasn't as poppin as it has been the last few times I've visited the Sus. Bank Center, I'm not sure whether it had to do with the crowd or the fact that it was fairly heavily monitored by staff members. Our seats were on the lawn, about four rows back from the VIP seats and a little to the left. The lawn is set up on a hill, so no matter how far back, you can still see the stage.
Robert Randolph and the Family band hit the stage at 7:00 exactly. The opened with a slow jazzy-jammy number to get the crowd warmed up for their next song: an incredibly convincing rendition of Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze". The 7 minute cover went places Hendrix wouldn't have touched and really set the stage for a fantastic night. Two songs later, Randolph exited the stage and never came back for the encore we were all requesting.
At this point I left to purchase a "Jumbo" margarita which may or may not have impaired my memory for the Dave set, but I will do my best.
Dave Matthews Band came out around 8:07 (I happened to be looking at my phone) and began with a medly of sound checking tunes that were played behind a sheer white curtain. They teased us with some notes from various DMB classics and after a 10 minute build up, started into "Funny the Way It Is" with a fantastic energy which was emphasized by the curtain being dropped on the first note. Although it's a fairly newer song, everyone knew the words and, as a fan behind me said "That was so good, everything after this is just a bonus". The lights and energy were addicting, and since it was my first Dave show, I was in awe.
He followed with an ignorable "Seven" and a decent version of "Why I Am", which I wasn't familiar with. Next came "The Best of What's Around" which got me a little more excited because I could sing along with the song. A few songs later, (full set list can be found at setlist.fm) a phoenomenal version of "You Might Die Trying" brought the show back around.
I found it a little bit hard to get into the show and stay with it, and those "true" fans I've spoken to agree. Although I was pumped when they started the classic "Where Are You Going?" I found it to be slightly duller than the studio version. By far the highlight for me was the closer, "Jimi Thing", where Dave and the band went for a balls to the wall jam session and succeeded.
The encore consisted of "Baby Blue", "The Maker" (a Daniel LAnois cover), and "Time Bomb". A bit boring, I though they may play "Two Step" just to please the fans, but alas I was wrong. All in all it was a great show, but I don't think I got the full experience with this one. Just my thoughts.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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