Upcoming/Recent Shows
- Thread starter Absolut Kaz
- Start date
Selaws
Well-Known Member
I saw Nat Birchall live at Cafe Oto in Dalston, London last night.
It was a hell of a show and Nat had an incredible set of side-men, honestly one of the best groups I have been. I was lucky enough to have front row seats (Cafe Oto is tiny anyway) and was able to have a long chat with Nat (about lockdown life and how he has been writing and recording to keep himself busy) and he even signed a few records for me.
It was a hell of a show and Nat had an incredible set of side-men, honestly one of the best groups I have been. I was lucky enough to have front row seats (Cafe Oto is tiny anyway) and was able to have a long chat with Nat (about lockdown life and how he has been writing and recording to keep himself busy) and he even signed a few records for me.
Rip_City
Well-Known Member
Blessed once again. A fantastic set from Arooj Aftab (and her band) plus the wonderful Sheers, a harpist from Portland!
Sheers
Lily Breshears, or Sheers, performed a set consisted of tracks from past records with a few teasers from her upcoming EP set to release in early November. She even added in an a cappella track near the end of her setlist with looped harmonies. Some amusing stories shared from her traveling experiences with TSA and getting high, both of which are the topic of one of her songs, lol. Lovely ~40min set overall.
Arooj Aftab
Arooj and her band took stage about five minutes early. The musicians were a guitarist (classical and electric) on the left, a harpist on the right, and a bassist/moog synthesizer musician subtly behind Arooj. There was a weird buzzing sound from the guitarist's amplifier that took about a minute to resolve before commencing the set.
The setlist was the entirety of the tranquil, luscious, yet beguiling Vulture Prince. All of the songs except "Saans Lo" were extended for solos to empower the talents of the individual musicians.
Gosh, this set made me well up a bit near the end. The album's message comes even more striking and harrowing knowing that this album was dedicated to both one of her late brothers and friends.
No encore, as expected. It would have been a special treat to hear her cover of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" of course. Maybe next time.
Post-show
It may not be clear from the photos from the sets above, but I was sitting on one of a line of stools nearest the left side the cramped stage room at Holocene, which I sat through for the entirety of both sets. I took a few minutes to relax and absorb everything that I my ears indulged in for the night...it was an impactful "washing over" spell, if you will. After using the time to collect myself, I wandered around rather awkwardly (as I do) to see if there was anyone I knew that went to Holocene for this breathtaking show. Course not, so then I ambled over to the merch table to learn that there is STILL no vinyl available
but there were $20 CDs. I thought about it at first...but declined. I then saw that the band members were appearing from behind the curtains and they began conversing with some other concertgoers straight away. Arooj appeared later shortly after and headed over to near the bar area to talk/hug/sign merch with some folks. Seeing this, I quickly headed to that area and, after waiting for five parties in line, spoke with her for a minute simply to say thank you for the concert and for including a Portland date for the tour, and to hope that she visit again whenever she puts on another US tour. Shoulda requested a photo with her UGHHHHH.....damn my nervousness.
No signed merch this time, yet all the while memorable. I'll go to my grave in believing that Vulture Prince is one of this year's best. As our resident Uncle D says: live music is better.
Sheers
Lily Breshears, or Sheers, performed a set consisted of tracks from past records with a few teasers from her upcoming EP set to release in early November. She even added in an a cappella track near the end of her setlist with looped harmonies. Some amusing stories shared from her traveling experiences with TSA and getting high, both of which are the topic of one of her songs, lol. Lovely ~40min set overall.
Arooj Aftab
Arooj and her band took stage about five minutes early. The musicians were a guitarist (classical and electric) on the left, a harpist on the right, and a bassist/moog synthesizer musician subtly behind Arooj. There was a weird buzzing sound from the guitarist's amplifier that took about a minute to resolve before commencing the set.
The setlist was the entirety of the tranquil, luscious, yet beguiling Vulture Prince. All of the songs except "Saans Lo" were extended for solos to empower the talents of the individual musicians.
Gosh, this set made me well up a bit near the end. The album's message comes even more striking and harrowing knowing that this album was dedicated to both one of her late brothers and friends.
No encore, as expected. It would have been a special treat to hear her cover of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" of course. Maybe next time.
Post-show
It may not be clear from the photos from the sets above, but I was sitting on one of a line of stools nearest the left side the cramped stage room at Holocene, which I sat through for the entirety of both sets. I took a few minutes to relax and absorb everything that I my ears indulged in for the night...it was an impactful "washing over" spell, if you will. After using the time to collect myself, I wandered around rather awkwardly (as I do) to see if there was anyone I knew that went to Holocene for this breathtaking show. Course not, so then I ambled over to the merch table to learn that there is STILL no vinyl available
but there were $20 CDs. I thought about it at first...but declined. I then saw that the band members were appearing from behind the curtains and they began conversing with some other concertgoers straight away. Arooj appeared later shortly after and headed over to near the bar area to talk/hug/sign merch with some folks. Seeing this, I quickly headed to that area and, after waiting for five parties in line, spoke with her for a minute simply to say thank you for the concert and for including a Portland date for the tour, and to hope that she visit again whenever she puts on another US tour. Shoulda requested a photo with her UGHHHHH.....damn my nervousness.No signed merch this time, yet all the while memorable. I'll go to my grave in believing that Vulture Prince is one of this year's best. As our resident Uncle D says: live music is better.
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Matt M
Santa Extraordinaire
Spent the weekend at Ohana Fest and had a great time! Caught Eddie Vedder solo twice with a great band featuring Glen Hansard, Pino Palladino, Josh Klinghoffer and Chad Smith. Also caught Spoon, who i have been wanting to see for years but it just never worked out for some reason. My Morning Jacket was great, guitar jams as good as always expected. Others were caught were Black Pumas, Caamp, Maggie Rogers, Glen Hansard solo, Cold War Kids, Brandi Carlile, Sharon Van Etten.
Oh yeah, and Pearl Jam! Was a little disappointed in their set, as I thought Eddie’s solo sets were much better. But i was happy to finally catch them after missing them 29 years ago at Lolla, may have had an incident and missed the whole fest
Great times this weekend, and good to finally get out. Cali is weird with not a lot of masks. Glad their positive rate was pretty low, and tried to give myself distance from people at most times.
Oh yeah, and Pearl Jam! Was a little disappointed in their set, as I thought Eddie’s solo sets were much better. But i was happy to finally catch them after missing them 29 years ago at Lolla, may have had an incident and missed the whole fest
Great times this weekend, and good to finally get out. Cali is weird with not a lot of masks. Glad their positive rate was pretty low, and tried to give myself distance from people at most times.
CroutonBoy
Active Member
I finally caught my first show since the pre-COVID days last weekend. Bob Mould at Webster Hall. 27 songs in 90 minutes, just as loud. fast and energizing as I'd hoped it would be. I was only ever a casual fan of Husker Du, Sugar, and his solo stuff but for a brief time I felt transported back to First Ave in Minneapolis circa 1994 when I had more hair and fewer responsibilities and for me, at least, it was transcendent.
imtheocean
Well-Known Member
Spent the weekend at Ohana Fest and had a great time! Caught Eddie Vedder solo twice with a great band featuring Glen Hansard, Pino Palladino, Josh Klinghoffer and Chad Smith. Also caught Spoon, who i have been wanting to see for years but it just never worked out for some reason. My Morning Jacket was great, guitar jams as good as always expected. Others were caught were Black Pumas, Caamp, Maggie Rogers, Glen Hansard solo, Cold War Kids, Brandi Carlile, Sharon Van Etten.
Oh yeah, and Pearl Jam! Was a little disappointed in their set, as I thought Eddie’s solo sets were much better. But i was happy to finally catch them after missing them 29 years ago at Lolla, may have had an incident and missed the whole fest
Great times this weekend, and good to finally get out. Cali is weird with not a lot of masks. Glad their positive rate was pretty low, and tried to give myself distance from people at most times.
I went Saturday / Sunday. Really enjoyed the undercards both days. Jade Bird --> Yola --> Sharon Van Etten --> Brandi Carlile was probably the best sequence of the weekend. And Celisse coming out on guitar for both Yola and Brandi was spectacular. Both the latin acts surprised me too, Combo Chimbita and Mon Lafuerte were totally off my radar, but caught my attention. Really loved the energy of Combo Chimbita in particular. Oh, and while Mac Demarco's set fell flat for me for the most part, I did love his between song banter and the Frank Sinatra karaoke bit.
Agreed that PJ seemed a little off, I think coming out of the gate with 4 new songs in a row felt a little forced, and then it being a (mostly) greatest hits show - but I'll never get tired of watching Mike McCready play guitar. Plus it being the last set on a very long weekend didn't help.
The lack of masks was surprising for sure - a couple of folks in my group were definitely uncomfortable. We spent most of our time back by the soundboard which didn't get too crowded till the headliner. But the rate is low, vaccine rates are high, and the fact that they were cross checking vaccine cards / tests w/ picture ID made me feel fairly safe being there. I've been to other shows where they just check the card w/out the ID and that was definitely concerning.
I'll be back next Saturday for encore weekend. Looking forward to seeing PJ and Brandi again, plus Sleater-Kinney and Margo Price.
wokeupnew
Well-Known Member
Went to my first gig in over a year and a half last night (Big Thief) and it was very decent. I was worried being a glasses wearer that without my glasses I'd be unable to see well. I never wear my glasses with a mask because they fog up too much and I haven't bothered learning how to deal with that because I don't need to wear a mask throughout the day for my job. Plus my eyesight isn't that terrible without it, I am nearsighted so it was going to be difficult to see depending on how far from the stage I stood.
avecigrec
Well-Known Member
A strip of masking tape across the top of the mask/bridge of your nose helps pretty hugely with the fogging situation. Had to use that one at my old job until I got contacts again after nearly 20 years without.
wokeupnew
Well-Known Member
yeah! I have seen some people do that, I've also seen that washing your glasses with dish soap helps too. However, I was pulling down my mask whenever I was sipping my beer, so idk if that would have completely worked.
Russ I
Well-Known Member
Yikes! Don't try the dish soap if you have transition lenses!
wokeupnew
Well-Known Member
I don't! but that's good to know
After doing probably 8-10 shows over the course of the summer, mask culture at concerns is fascinating to me in how much it follows our cultural impressions of masking. I would say the Julien Baker (indoor) and Phoebe Bridgers (outdoor) shows were somewhere between 90%-95% masked without much in terms of enforcement. These were part of the rules but only a handful of times did I see a security member give the "masks up" motion to anyone. Conversely, shows with crowds that may skew more vaccine-averse and that didn't have the vaccination/negative test requirement were almost like pre-COVID days. Masks were very hard to find even at the same venues that were heavily masked just a bit later. It's probably not too surprising for a Pitbull or Machine Gun Kelly show, but it still kind of surprised me that in an area where people usually masked well that a 6-10k crowd in a tight area were okay throwing caution to the wind.
I supposed it just reinforces the power of groupthink in this experience and it's informed the show types I'll be going to for the forseeable future.
I supposed it just reinforces the power of groupthink in this experience and it's informed the show types I'll be going to for the forseeable future.
threesunrises
Well-Known Member
We saw PJ at Sea Hear Now and I must say, it was not the greatest performance I've seen. Ed seemed 'out of shape' between songs, needed to talk more to catch his breath. Yes, they have a new record that covid prevented them from supporting, but the setlist was weird, especially for their first show back. I love seeing song debuts, but some of them did not translate well to a live performance. That said, even a lesser PJ show is still great and I was ecstatic to see them again.
Also, we seriously debated going to Ohana when Spoon & The Frames were announced in the lineup. Sadly, it's said that visa issues were the reason that the rest of the Frames were unable to play, but I think that's not entirely true. I was devastated when their Webster Hall show was postponed and then canceled this year. Have been a fan of Glen / The Frames since their live album Setlist was released in 2003 (first saw them as support for Damien Rice) and have desperately wanted a proper gig from the full band for years now.
Have tix to see Spoon again in Jersey City next month. They always put on a great show.
Space Wanderer
Well-Known Member
When they hit the stage at SHN my first thought was “oh shit Eddie looks fat.” He is definitely out of shape (relatively speaking - I would absolutely sign up to being in his shape when I‘m 56). He definitely filibustered even more than usual - they posted the original set list and they did three fewer songs than planned - and was noticeably short of breath while he was doing it.
Djxfactor511
Well-Known Member
Last night at Needtobreathe / Switchfoot / The New Respects.
Switchfoot is my wife's all time favorite band so this is #6 for me since we've been together.
Switchfoot is my wife's all time favorite band so this is #6 for me since we've been together.
hatfieldpdx
Well-Known Member
Durand Jones & The Indications and My Morning Jacket at Edgefield (20 minutes east of Portland) last week.
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Sarah Jarosz (October 2, 2021)
I've seen Sarah live more than any other artist - I think I'm around 11-12 shows of varying formats at this point. First off, if you have any inkling of liking bluegrass or Americana, high quality songwriting, and great bandwork, you owe it to yourself to find a way to see her live. Fortunately, she is still playing reasonably small rooms for her solo shows as it just works a lot better (IMO) in these sub 1k fan rooms.
She is one of my favorite musicians on the planet so I'm hopelessly biased, so I'll just highlight something I think is really underrated: playlist composition. She does an impeccable job at building a playlist in a fashion that keeps the crowd engaged, gives unfamiliar listeners something to cling to, and also makes sure she features her current work. Linked is her setlist from the show
www.setlist.fm
Every song from the album she was touring off of, several of her bigger songs, and five different, perfectly crafted cover songs: album and non-album alike. The crowd really ate up the U2 and Tom Waits efforts specifically. She also has an upright bass back in the band which adds that really complementary dimension and lets her play some of her older songs. My recording of her Prine cover (Unwed Fathers) isn't amazing (but it was heartbreaking), so I'll link to her livestream cover of Childish Things which closed the main set. I really hope she delves a bit more into this rock-friendly side as she's super dynamic in that sphere.
I've seen Sarah live more than any other artist - I think I'm around 11-12 shows of varying formats at this point. First off, if you have any inkling of liking bluegrass or Americana, high quality songwriting, and great bandwork, you owe it to yourself to find a way to see her live. Fortunately, she is still playing reasonably small rooms for her solo shows as it just works a lot better (IMO) in these sub 1k fan rooms.
She is one of my favorite musicians on the planet so I'm hopelessly biased, so I'll just highlight something I think is really underrated: playlist composition. She does an impeccable job at building a playlist in a fashion that keeps the crowd engaged, gives unfamiliar listeners something to cling to, and also makes sure she features her current work. Linked is her setlist from the show
Sarah Jarosz Setlist at Royale, Boston
Get the Sarah Jarosz Setlist of the concert at Royale, Boston, MA, USA on October 2, 2021 and other Sarah Jarosz Setlists for free on setlist.fm!
www.setlist.fm
Every song from the album she was touring off of, several of her bigger songs, and five different, perfectly crafted cover songs: album and non-album alike. The crowd really ate up the U2 and Tom Waits efforts specifically. She also has an upright bass back in the band which adds that really complementary dimension and lets her play some of her older songs. My recording of her Prine cover (Unwed Fathers) isn't amazing (but it was heartbreaking), so I'll link to her livestream cover of Childish Things which closed the main set. I really hope she delves a bit more into this rock-friendly side as she's super dynamic in that sphere.
Attachments
imtheocean
Well-Known Member
Went to Ohana Encore on Saturday. To start, Pearl Jam was so much better than the previous weekend. Crowd was a little sparser which might have helped, but the songs didn't seem as forced and the band looked more relaxed and that they were enjoying themselves more. They spread the new songs out more in the setlist which helped as well. Last song of the festival was Rockin' in the Free World with many of the performers - including having Matt Cameron, Taylor Hawkins, and Chad Smith all playing drums at the same time. Looking forward to the to-be-rescheduled PJ tour already.
I alluded to it in my previous post from last weekend, but the amount of female performers that I saw during Ohana was amazing: Brandi Carlile, Yola, Celisse Henderson, Sleater-Kinney, Margo Price, Sharon Van Etten, Combo Chimbita, Mon Lafuerte, Jade Bird, Maggie Rogers, and Shovels & Rope. Add that to seeing the Alanis Morrisette / Garbage / Cat Power tour in the middle of the week and it feels like an embarrassment of riches after the last two years.
I alluded to it in my previous post from last weekend, but the amount of female performers that I saw during Ohana was amazing: Brandi Carlile, Yola, Celisse Henderson, Sleater-Kinney, Margo Price, Sharon Van Etten, Combo Chimbita, Mon Lafuerte, Jade Bird, Maggie Rogers, and Shovels & Rope. Add that to seeing the Alanis Morrisette / Garbage / Cat Power tour in the middle of the week and it feels like an embarrassment of riches after the last two years.
Rip_City
Well-Known Member
Great show last Saturday with a friend. Madison Cunningham is a very underrated talent.
S.G. Goodman
Opener was an Americana/country singer/songwriter from Kentucky with her band. Not quite my vibe, but still enjoyable. My friend was impressed enough that she followed Goodman on Instagram. As the photos would indicate, we were situated in front early within ~2min of doors open to venue.
Madison Cunningham
Truth be told, the underlying reason for my initial ticket purchase from several months ago in mid-May was purely from my friend's recommendation. I'm glad I took the chance on this one; Madison is a wonderful performer.
18 song setlist, including encore!
Post-show
We were conversating with another concertgoer behind us, who we learned came from Virginia for a week-long visit to PDX, just before Goodman took stage. The conversation continued just afterward to just share our enjoyment and admiration of both Goodman's and Cunningham's performances. We wished one another other well for the night, and headed to the merch table, where my friend was generous enough to secure me an LP of Who are you now, as a thank you for purchasing a few records for her from months ago and covering the dinner bill in the hours before the show, as well as a shirt and tote bag for herself. Hung around for a few minutes waiting for Doug Fir Lounge staff/musicians to come on stage for gear takedown. I approached one of them to request the copy to be signed, simultaneously offering a Sharpie from my bag. She obliged, asked for my name and after providing it, whisked away to backstage for ~30sec. She hastily returned the Sharpie and LP to me, now adorned with an elegant signature, albeit sans personalization.
My friend asked the staff member for the same immediately after mine was secure in my bag. Seconds later, a few ladies marking the next members of a line behind us requested for my pen to be used, as they bought posters/LPs at the merch table to be signed. Before I had a chance to respond, the same staff member reassured the ladies (and everyone else interested in signed merch) that Madison herself had some pens and that she would be available momentarily in person to sign merch/chat for a few minutes. My friend, who claims that Madison is among her favorite artists of the past few years, was eager to speak with her for a minute or two. Sure enough, she appeared from the stage curtains on the right. My friend took a minute or so to just say thank you for the concert, and to thank Madison for shouting her out on a random IG post. When my turn came, I simply just thanked Madison for stopping by Portland, to hopefully come back soon, and to have a safe rest of the tour.
Madison's brand of singer/songwriter music is not necessarily my cup of tea, but it was a delight in a live concert setting. I'm glad that I took the chance on this show, and glad I could go with a friend who enjoys it more than I.
S.G. Goodman
Opener was an Americana/country singer/songwriter from Kentucky with her band. Not quite my vibe, but still enjoyable. My friend was impressed enough that she followed Goodman on Instagram. As the photos would indicate, we were situated in front early within ~2min of doors open to venue.
Madison Cunningham
Truth be told, the underlying reason for my initial ticket purchase from several months ago in mid-May was purely from my friend's recommendation. I'm glad I took the chance on this one; Madison is a wonderful performer.
18 song setlist, including encore!
Post-show
We were conversating with another concertgoer behind us, who we learned came from Virginia for a week-long visit to PDX, just before Goodman took stage. The conversation continued just afterward to just share our enjoyment and admiration of both Goodman's and Cunningham's performances. We wished one another other well for the night, and headed to the merch table, where my friend was generous enough to secure me an LP of Who are you now, as a thank you for purchasing a few records for her from months ago and covering the dinner bill in the hours before the show, as well as a shirt and tote bag for herself. Hung around for a few minutes waiting for Doug Fir Lounge staff/musicians to come on stage for gear takedown. I approached one of them to request the copy to be signed, simultaneously offering a Sharpie from my bag. She obliged, asked for my name and after providing it, whisked away to backstage for ~30sec. She hastily returned the Sharpie and LP to me, now adorned with an elegant signature, albeit sans personalization.
My friend asked the staff member for the same immediately after mine was secure in my bag. Seconds later, a few ladies marking the next members of a line behind us requested for my pen to be used, as they bought posters/LPs at the merch table to be signed. Before I had a chance to respond, the same staff member reassured the ladies (and everyone else interested in signed merch) that Madison herself had some pens and that she would be available momentarily in person to sign merch/chat for a few minutes. My friend, who claims that Madison is among her favorite artists of the past few years, was eager to speak with her for a minute or two. Sure enough, she appeared from the stage curtains on the right. My friend took a minute or so to just say thank you for the concert, and to thank Madison for shouting her out on a random IG post. When my turn came, I simply just thanked Madison for stopping by Portland, to hopefully come back soon, and to have a safe rest of the tour.
Madison's brand of singer/songwriter music is not necessarily my cup of tea, but it was a delight in a live concert setting. I'm glad that I took the chance on this show, and glad I could go with a friend who enjoys it more than I.