LACMA’s Through the Mic series opened on Thursday night with Los Angeles Hip-Hop artists 3MG. The organizers did a great job setting this up using the iconic “Urban Light” piece by Chris Burden as the backdrop for the show. I am really looking forward to seeing what else they bring in as part of this series as well as any other so that they can continue to utilize this space for shows like this.
Sunday was a mix of scorching heat with a little rain to close out the last day of the 2012 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. I had an absolute ball covering this festival this year. The people, the atmosphere, the food, and the music were some of the best I have ever experienced. I have definitely fallen in love with the city of New Orleans and I can not wait to come back next year.
I always have a great time checking out Warren Haynes but being able to catch portions of the sets from Herbie Hancock and Irma Thomas was pretty incredibile. Catching the line of dancers making their way through the tent during the performance by Preservation Hall Jazz Band was also pretty cool. I really love the atmosphere at this festival because here it really is all about the music.
One of the best parts of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival are the late night shows. Last night I was able to catch Galactic and Black Star at the Sugar Mill in the Warehouse District. It is always great to catch Galactic perform especially in their home town. It was also the first time catching Black Star which was fantastic!
Coming into Jazzfest this year I was most excited about finally seeing Levon Helm perform. The Band has always been a staple to me and thanks to Mavis Staples (with a little help from Glen Hansard of Swell Season) I was able to witness a beautiful version of “The Weight” that I admit got me a little choked up.
After missing Seun Kuti and Egypt 80 at Coachella a few weeks ago I was pretty excited to be able to catch him in New Orleans last night at House of Blues. Getting there early was great because not only was I able to get a good spot up front (with a little help from two new friends from Los Angeles – Thanks guys!)
I was a little bummed that I didn’t catch Miike Snow at Coachella last weekend but knowing that they were coming through the El Rey this week definitely put a smile on my face. After catching them a few years ago I was really looking forward to catching them again and seeing them at the El Rey was perfect.
The first weekend of Coachella came to an end on Sunday and I am thrilled about how many amazing sets I was able to catch during the day. I will never forget how packed the main stage field was for the Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre set. It looked like every ticketholder was on grounds and on that field. Amazing!
Things got a little back to normal yesterday at Coachella as the sun returned to the Polo Fields in Indio. I really enjoyed what I was able to catch from the sets by Black Lips, Buzzcocks, fIREHOSE, and the Big Pink in the tents and of course Feist, the Shins, and Radiohead delivered on the main stages.
Coachella kicked off this year making me a little confused about where I was. Coachella is traditionally a sunburnt sauna but the weather on Friday felt more like what you would expect in San Francisco for Outside Lands with the chilly temperatures and rain.
It was great to catch up with Hanni El Khatib last night as he kicked off his tour at the Satellite.
It has been almost a year to the day since the last time Galactic visited the El Rey.
Bahamas arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday night to kick off their tour by playing their first headlining show in the U.S. at the Satellite.
I honestly cannot think of a show that I have looked forward to more than seeing The Pack A.D. perform at the Echo on Saturday.
Sleigh Bells hit the Mayan Theater last night to mark the release of their new album Reign of Terror to a packed house.
I have been a huge fan of both moe. and Keller Williams for years now having seen both acts countless times. Those numbers have
A few months ago I got my first introduction to the Queen Diva, Big Freedia and I have be anxiously awaiting her next trip to Los Angeles so I could see her in action.
I was pretty excited to finally see and photograph Wilco last night at the Hollywood Palladium. For listening to them as long as I have
After missing their November show at the Music Box (I wound up with fake tickets) I was pretty excited to finally have my chance to see (and photograph) M83 last night at Club Nokia.
Coming off the heals of an amazing 2010 nothing could have prepared me for the insanity that was 2011.
On the day of the drop of Mac And Devin Go To High School the two artists brought their show to The Wiltern in Los Angeles.
As if the first night of KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas wasn’t enough, night 2 touted a few more acts as well as a line-up that I was a little more excited about on Sunday night.
On Saturday night I was fortunate enough to experience the insanity that is the KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas. Eight bands on a rotating stage and the music doesn’t stop. Either does the photography.
After listening to The Kooks a little over the last few years it was nice to get a chance to catch them live at the second of their two sold out shows at The Music Box.
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