Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. (9/26/11)

What a crazy week... Let me tell you about it.  It starts back on Monday with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. at the Grog Shop.  Opening was Gossip Culture, a local band that have a great rhythm and beat, though they seriously lack on the vocals.  I've said this before, and was hoping they might've improved... not yet, but if they square that away, these guys have a kick-ass sound.  Next, Jr. Jr. rolls out with their big wood / light boxes that spell out... J R J R.  I knew right away this could be fun.  It was just about 10 seconds after that I realized my camera battery didn't quite make the trip (fahk).  So this is going to be an iPhone only show.

These Detroit boys were a lot of fun... Good spirits for a small, but still a spirited crowd.  They really tried to heal the Ohio/Michigan wounds this night. They sounded good, and the occasional swing from the rafters, a few blasts of light from the boxes, and a Neil Diamond cover really let me know that these guys can bring a party.

It was fun, but it epic party it wasn't.  It was a Monday after all, and it is a Corporate World:

House Concert This Sunday w/ Stephanie Nilles!

If you haven't had a chance yet, please RSVP for Sunday's performance by Stephanie Nilles (or email thezenderagenda at gmail.com).  This will be my 3rd house concert, and my first with a keyboard performer!  I've been thrilled with the results of the previous shows and have high expectations for this one as well.

$10 will get you a performance, free beer, and what's turning out to be a bit of a pot-luck.  All food, beer and effort is being donated, with all proceeds going to the artist.

Show starts at 6:00pm.  Location: Cleveland Heights (address will be provided to all RSVPs)

Here's some info on Stephanie:

"Nilles, an ex-classical pianist turned jazz and blues belter, tours year-round singing personally and passionately with a voice reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald, if Ella was a little tweaked and really adamant about sticking it to the man." -Spinner

"Singer/songwriter Stephanie Nilles makes something fresh out of things lost. A graduate of Cleveland Institute of Music, she is a serious classical pianist gone bard. When you think Nilles, think of a quirky mix of subversive vagabond and sultry artist, a burlesque cocktail of wit and substance. No need to wonder what she's thinking -- she weaves it into her music, which growls like Eartha Kitt and bites like Tom Waits ... With a unique outlook on life, music that's as intellectual as it is entertaining and a voice capable of transcending the tracks of the indie railroad, Nilles is just the kind of treasure that music aficionados love to discover." -The Tennessee Journalist

"Stephanie Nilles is a Bad Ass ... Her songs are full of political satire and bold, shocking ideas you've subconsciously formed but never figured out how to articulate. And she only uses maybe 7 or 8 chords..." -Christian Howes

A great little bio / interview here:  http://www.fromthetop.org/content/stephanie-nilles

Check out some sounds:

For a High Life Commercial - Stephanie Nilles by ladybangbeat

Video Tuesday

Here is the tUnE-yArDs' brand new video for Gansta - who is also performing TONIGHT @ the Beachland Ballroom (8pm / $14).  Next up is one of my new all-time favorte bands: Starfucker, with their new video for Bury Us Alive.  FInally going off the beaten path with a video Raleigh Moncrief's Lament for Morning.  He's someone I randomly discovered months ago and I'm happy to see something new.

Tomorrow: tUne-yArDs @ Beachland Ballroom

Sadly similar to the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. name issue - I was late to tUnE-yArDs because I was mixing them up with Rubblebucket - who's new album I've been not-to-excited about lately.  It took a friend of a friend's strong recommendation (dare I say threat) to clue me in that I was messing this up and that this was a show to see. I've since thrown myself into tUnE-yArDs and like what they're throwing back.

I'm primarily thrilled with Merill Garbus' voice - which has this incredible power and this almost gender-neutral quality about it.  While i've been enjoying the album, I have a feeling this show is going to blow me away.  Here's a recent video - but keep an eye out for tomorrow's Video Tuesday where I'll post their newest!

Check out Pat Jordache opening too!

Tomorrow: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. @ Grog Shop

I'll admit, I've been late to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., primarily because of their name. I feel the same way about "play on pop culture names" for bands, as I feel for Instagram photos:  it's fun for about a minute, but annoying after that.

Still, I knew I needed to check them out before their show at the Grog Shop.  I waited to the last minute, however that minute is all I need. I've really fallen for their new album.  Check out a couple videos from it.  Grog Shop / 8pm / $10~$12

Our own Gossip Culture will be opening the night, with Trade School.

A Lull / Preston Pugmire (9/21/11)

My first show at The Spot for the 2011 Fall Semester @ Case Western Reserve University.  It was a last-minute realization that A Lull was coming to campus, and I'd been enjoying their new album Confetti (buy it from inSound).  Also performing was Preston Pugmire, whom I've never heard of until the day before the show.

I got there in time to catch the beginning of A Lull.  They were as I expected, a good dense, indie-rock jam band.

After this, Preston Pugmire too the stage solo, with a guitar, laptop and 50's television set displaying a single vertical line that fluctuated based on his sound.  If A Lull met expecations, Preston exceeded them, though they did start off at different points.  Preston's live show was more captivating than his album, and his great personality really showed, despite a waning crowd.  Check out this fun little ditty.

As usual, one of the benefits of The Spot is their cheap menu (and wings, if you're into that kind of thing).  $2.50 Lake Erie Monster - STILL on tap!

Bomba Estereo on La Blogotheque

And speaking of La Blogotheque, I was captivated by these Bomba Estero performances.  Not only is the music great, but just seeing the life happening around the music is beautiful.  Catch a glimpse of beautiful Colombia.

Kickstarter for Vincent Moon's New Project(s)

All the way back in February, I actually hosted a movie premiere in my living room.  It was An Island which was shot by this great filmmaker named Vincent Moon.  He's also shoots my favorite web video series called La Blogotheque.  Well, he has  a new project on Kickstarter.  Check it out, and maybe even contribute.  His stuff is worth it.

Video Tuesday

So many new videos to post... Here's three to tide you over.  First off is a classy new video from Slow Club for Two Cousins.  Next up is a *weird* but worthy-enough video for Cut Copy's Bilink & You'll Miss a Revolution.  Finally, a new video from Noah & the Whale's  Waiting for my Chance to Come.

Washed Out (9/16/11)

If you missed Ingenuity this past weekend, you totally missed out.  As mentioned before, just hanging out in the viaduct area of the Detroit-Superior Bridge is cool enough, the music and general entertainment is all bonus.

Well, I'd been digging Washed Out for some time, and their coming to the Ingenuity almost had me spiraling out of control (but maybe that was the quaaludes). I kid.  Though by the time the show started at Midnight, I was properly imbibed.  Needless to say, my recollection amounts to some technical difficulties, some raucous kids and slam dancing (not me).  Thankfully I took video.

Again I kid.  I can't say it was stellar show.  But for the time, place and moment, it was alright with me.  Check out some other pics from that night: