Upcoming/Recent Shows

[EvanBenner]

Crowd was rather disrespectful during the opener at my most recent show—pretty unusual at my favorite venue—though it may have just been because the sound was rather low. Anyway, this exchange is still living in my head rent free.

 

[hatfieldpdx]

Took my daughter to see Samia at a small venue the other night. I've enjoyed all of her releases, but was blown away by her poise and stage presence. A great performance, highly recommend catching her on this tour if you can. She will undoubtedly be playing larger venues her next go round.

Here is her cover of "Maps" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

 

[Rip_City]

Went out to Portland to see Silvana Estrada promoting her new album Marchita. I was notified by @hatfieldpdx, which ended up being serendipitous to land on a day off! Only $12, least I've spent on a ticket for this year. Fantastic, lovely show. Her first time touring the USA!

Lineup was just her and two accompanying musicians (synth, and drums/percussion). Setlist went for a good ~80 minutes, with a roughly 20% of this being cute stage banter in between songs primarily in Spanish, although her English is fluent. I don't speak Spanish at all, so I didn't understand much of what was being communicated.

Encore had four songs!!! Closing number was Tenías Que Ser Tú, which I found after digging around a bit through her back discography. In a live setting, that song was even more festive and irresistible...with her band interacting on a call and response of the chorus melody with the audience extending the song's end for a few minutes. So fun!

No merch available at the end other than a tote bag. Silvana had mentioned somewhere in between songs that there was a issue with the individual who manages her merch but, again, it was mostly communicated in Spanish. I could only guess that a delay of a vinyl release was a part of that statement.



The dazzling "Carta" from Marchita below, with some of that banter I mentioned:

 

[agutierrezb]

Went out to Portland to see Silvana Estrada promoting her new album Marchita. I was notified by @hatfieldpdx, which ended up being serendipitous to land on a day off! Only $12, least I've spent on a ticket for this year. Fantastic, lovely show. Her first time touring the USA!

Lineup was just her and two accompanying musicians (synth, and drums/percussion). Setlist went for a good ~80 minutes, with a roughly 20% of this being cute stage banter in between songs primarily in Spanish, although her English is fluent. I don't speak Spanish at all, so I didn't understand much of what was being communicated.

Encore had four songs!!! Closing number was Tenías Que Ser Tú, which I found after digging around a bit through her back discography. In a live setting, that song was even more festive and irresistible...with her band interacting on a call and response of the chorus melody with the audience extending the song's end for a few minutes. So fun!

No merch available at the end other than a tote bag. Silvana had mentioned somewhere in between songs that there was a issue with the individual who manages her merch but, again, it was mostly communicated in Spanish. I could only guess that a delay of a vinyl release was a part of that statement.

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The dazzling "Carta" from Marchita below, with some of that banter I mentioned:

Man, she is just wonderful. I've had Marchita on repeat ever since it as released. Finger crossed for a vinyl release.

Quick nerdy side note: I watched that video you posted and I suddenly realized the song is on 5/4 time, which is super rare for such a catchy tune! The album is also filled with tracks on 3/4, which isn't really common on western pop music (unlike 6/8 time, which is somewhat standard), but is fairly usual in some forms of Latin American folk music.

I just find it amazing that the album is such an easy listen, yet it is packed with emotional and technical nuances like these.

 

[Endtro]

My wife and I drove to Eureka Springs, Arkansas to see Sierra Ferrell & Nick Shoulders. We decided to make a weekend out of it for our 10th wedding anniversary.

Sierra was spectacular. Nick Shoulders was a shitload of fun as well.

 

[Rip_City]

Arooj Aftab for the second go-around in half a year. Just as good as the first time, if not better. Accompanied with an even more apropos (and superior, IMO) opening musician.

Also, the venue is beautiful on the interior and exterior! Only one floor; can't be any more than 300 seats. Forgot to take photos outside, but I will do so once I'm here again next week as I have another concert lined up there (Circuit Des Yeux).



Luke Wyland

This gentleman's set composed of a single ~30min continuous avantgarde piano piece. He used a looping device to create overwhelming, enrapturing audio atmosphere with repeated piano chords. Very convincing, beautiful performance. Recommended.



Arooj Aftab

A few changes to this set compared to the one back from last year, with Arooj's accompanying cast featuring one less member, leaving only Gyan Riley (classical guitar) and Maeve Gilchrist (harp). Both of their talents are , with Maeve stealing the show for me. Her set added on one additional song I did not recognize, with "Inayaat" (one of my faves) pushed back in the set as the encore piece. Even more solos between the two musicians, seemingly minutes long each. Even though the ensemble was late to stage time, they did not cut their ~70min set short, which was very appreciated.

She's always worth the ticket price.




Post-Show

Waited around and bought a T-shirt at the merch line. After wandering around a bit more, I caught Gyan talking to a few people and asked to get my copy of Vulture Prince signed after he was finished conversing, requesting that it be on the back of the jacket. Eventually got Arooj's signature as well after waiting ~5min or so, after requesting a staff member to take it behind the privacy doors. Very thankful.
Go see her when she stops by your city/town even if you're even mildly interested.

​

 

[Rip_City]

Caribou tore the Roseland Theater down in Portland on Monday. Absolutely killer. Went with a friend and got situated just one row from the front of the barricade.

Ela Minus
Ela's set composition was mostly tracks from her album in 2020. Didn't listen to it in preparation for this show, so wasn't sure what to expect. Her mic was mixed very quiet with the implementation of her electronic overlays/loops, so I couldn't make out any vocals. Overall sounded akin to very clubby, dark progressive electronic or tech house. Fun set, though a few sections dragged a bit long for my liking. She even handed a camera to a dude in the front around the start of her set...but not sure what the reasoning or implication was for. He took a few selfies which prompted huddling from the surrounding concertgoers to strike a pose or whatever (including me). I think it was one of those disposable analog ones lol



Caribou

Don't flame me for this, but I was not aware of Caribou at all prior to 2020 when N&G had hyped up Suddenly as an early anticipated album; love at first listen.
Dan and the boys played all the good stuff from Swim to Suddenly. "Sun" in particular was a phenomenal highlight that stretched to 15 minutes culminating with roughly eight minutes of thunderously roaring dueling drum solos. The lights were amazing from start to finish! Everyone was moving feverishly by the set's end.
I'm so glad that they finished with an encore of "Can't Do Without You," phenomenal track! Portland marked the final stop on the US tour, so the band extended the finale to ~10 minutes or so.

 

[hatfieldpdx]

Saw Brandee Younger & Dezron Douglas play last night, the first time they have performed as a duo in front of a live audience. Hard to believe, but I guess that’s what a pandemic will do.

In any case, incredible performance..two sets featuring many tracks from Force Majeure, a couple Alice Coltrane, a Dorothy Ashby tune, and a few others mixed in.

I spoke with both of them after the show. Dezron mentioned that his quartet has a new release coming out on International Anthem, likely in October.

 

[imtheocean]

Saw Dinosaur Jr. & Pink Mountaintops on 2/22.

Enjoyed Pink Mountaintops set, was pleasantly surprised to see Kilph Scurlock playing drums for them. He used to be the touring drummer for the Flaming Lips, and more recently Gruff Rhys, and he's a lot of fun to watch.

Dinosaur Jr was just what I needed. Had been a rough couple of days at work, so getting loud guitars & crashing drums was a welcome distraction. Set up right in front of J and his giant Marshall stack, amazing to watch him play. Dedicated the last song of the main set (Gargoyle?) to Mark Lanegan.

 

[Rip_City]

Saw Brandee Younger & Dezron Douglas play last night, the first time they have performed as a duo in front of live audience. Hard to believe, but I guess that’s what a pandemic will do.

In any case, incredible performance..two sets featuring many tracks from Force Majeure, a couple Alice Coltrane, a Dorothy Ashby tune, and a few others mixed in.

I spoke with both of them after the show. Dezron mentioned that his quartet has a new release coming out on International Anthem, likely in October.

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Seemed like a very cover heavy set: Sesame Street theme, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Dionne Warwick, and Kate Bush along with the others you mentioned. This photo is convenient as 1) I don't have any from being asked to turn off cell phone at beginning of show and 2) sitting third row to the back.
I will share this new acquisition, tho:

 

[hatfieldpdx]

Seemed like a very cover heavy set: Sesame Street theme, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Dionne Warwick, and Kate Bush along with the others you mentioned. This photo is convenient as 1) I don't have any from being asked to turn off cell phone at beginning of show and 2) sitting third row to the back.
I will share this new acquisition, tho:

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Nice, I got mine signed as well. Also had Dezron sign, as he produced the album. I heard it as an ask to silence phones, not to refrain from taking photos. As such, hope I didn't ruffle any feathers! On that note, my wife arrived late, so I had no shortage of folks asking if they could sit next to me during the first set.

Not sure if you are familiar with their album Force Majeure. It captures their living room sessions from lockdown, and was released on International Anthem in 2020. Great stuff - and yes, mostly covers. As Brandee mentioned, to make their parents happy, among other reasons.

 

[wokeupnew]

Mitski asks fans to stop filming "entire songs or whole sets" at her concerts

Mitski has requested that fans stop filming "entire songs or whole sets" at her shows in a statement on social media.

www.nme.com

Whenever I go to a show, I grab a couple of shots on my phone for the 'gram but I put that shit away and watch the vast majority of the show with my eyes. With how popular Mitski is right now and knowing the fanbase growth has come in from her popularity on TikTok, I can only imagine it's just a sea of phones from back to front in the audience.

 

[My Neighbor Brotoro]

Mitski asks fans to stop filming "entire songs or whole sets" at her concerts

Mitski has requested that fans stop filming "entire songs or whole sets" at her shows in a statement on social media.

www.nme.com

Whenever I go to a show, I grab a couple of shots on my phone for the 'gram but I put that shit away and watch the vast majority of the show with my eyes. With how popular Mitski is right now and knowing the fanbase growth has come in from her popularity on TikTok, I can only imagine it's just a sea of phones from back to front in the audience.

The replies to her Twitter thread have some of the most unhinged takes. It’s amazing to see how many people were melting down over a simple request.

 

[wokeupnew]

The replies to her Twitter thread have some of the most unhinged takes. It’s amazing to see how many people were melting down over a simple request.

I think there's an appropriate line that people can approach for what's considered an acceptable amount of recording and what's overdoing it. For shows where I've recorded a short video clip, I've gone back and watched them years later from when I've posted them. It's nice to revist that memory. But again, I'll take my phone out for a minute during one song to record or take a few pictures. Lots of people claiming bad memory... I don't know. I still think there's no need to record literally the whole show that I'm sure 25% of the audience is probably doing. With how big Mitski is, there's bound to be someone with a better camera that is recording the show for YouTube that you could easily go back and watch later. I think people are upset that they're getting called out by one of their favorite artists.

 

[Viking Dan]

I think there's an appropriate line that people can approach for what's considered an acceptable amount of recording and what's overdoing it. For shows where I've recorded a short video clip, I've gone back and watched them years later from when I've posted them. It's nice to revist that memory. But again, I'll take my phone out for a minute during one song to record or take a few pictures. Lots of people claiming bad memory... I don't know. I still think there's no need to record literally the whole show that I'm sure 25% of the audience is probably doing. With how big Mitski is, there's bound to be someone with a better camera that is recording the show for YouTube that you could easily go back and watch later. I think people are upset that they're getting called out by one of their favorite artists.

The taper community would probably like a word with Ms. Mitski and would take issue with the concept that it can be "overdone". I'd be curious to hear @Yer Ol' Uncle D's thoughts on whether the fact this is video recording vs. the historically accepted audio recording changes the dynamics in a tapers mind.

Further, while this is not the hot take thread, and I am most definitely NOT the kind of person to do this - there is an argument to be made that with ticket prices/fees what they are "I'll enjoy the show they way I want to enjoy the show (as long as I'm not breaking the venues rules)."

What's next - hey I'm playing up here can you NOT hang out at the bar during my set?

I once was at a show and the performer got upset b/c people weren't standing and said something about it. I paid for the seat and Imma sit if I want to sit - especially if you are going to fill your set with a bunch of slow mid-tempo songs. (It was Jeff Tweedy BTW).

I dont know, I guess I have little patience for any performer who tells me how I'm supposed to be "enjoying" the show.

 

[tvham]

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - February 24, 2022 at the Warfield, SF.





Fantastic show by Jason and the band last night, and so nice to have Amanda out on this run. It was a pretty rocking show with lots of great solos and guitar work but also plenty of heartbreaking songs like Elephant, Cover Me Up, and If We Were Vampies. Plus I had to buy the show specific shirt.

 

[wokeupnew]

The taper community would probably like a word with Ms. Mitski and would take issue with the concept that it can be "overdone". I'd be curious to hear @Yer Ol' Uncle D's thoughts on whether the fact this is video recording vs. the historically accepted audio recording changes the dynamics in a tapers mind.

Further, while this is not the hot take thread, and I am most definitely NOT the kind of person to do this - there is an argument to be made that with ticket prices/fees what they are "I'll enjoy the show they way I want to enjoy the show (as long as I'm not breaking the venues rules)."

What's next - hey I'm playing up here can you NOT hang out at the bar during my set?

I once was at a show and the performer got upset b/c people weren't standing and said something about it. I paid for the seat and Imma sit if I want to sit - especially if you are going to fill your set with a bunch of slow mid-tempo songs. (It was Jeff Tweedy BTW).

I dont know, I guess I have little patience for any performer who tells me how I'm supposed to be "enjoying" the show.

I think there's a balance that can be struck between the artist and audience. An audio taper should be fine, I don't see why an artist would care about that unless they have some unreleased music they'd rather not get out. Most of the time audiences are fine with that if the band/artists asks to not record a song or two. But if it's a normal show go right ahead as long as your microphone is not obstructing someone's view.

Mistki said "Ultimately it’s your night, and I want you to enjoy it as you like." So she won't stop you from recording video, but would rather the audience experience the live show in the moment and not watching the whole show through a tiny screen. She also said "This goes for both when I’m on stage, and when I’m an audience member at shows" so obviously it impacts her performance and when she's in the audience watching shows. When you have 15 people in front of you holding their arms up taking video for almost the entire set, that takes away from the experience of everyone around you. Not to mention it's even worse for shorter people who already can't see behind people's heads half the time.

I don't foresee any artist asking you to not be at the bar, unless you're actively ruining the experience for others talking loudly or laughing during a slower song or quiet moment. It's basically just a 'you can do what you want but don't be a dick to the rest of the audience' concern.

I agree about Tweedy, I'd sit as well. Kind of hate seated shows where sometimes you have people standing and then you have to stand, but maybe a few rows back some people are sitting. Being forced to stand because you can't see sucks.


EDIT: Also, this is an assumption on my part, but I think the vast majority of people recording almost the whole show are probably not part of the taper community. Mitski's fanbase is younger, so mostly young people who're sharing with their friends on social media. We all have that friend who posts 25 instagram stories of being at the back of a crowd at the show with awful audio. I can agree with you that that person has all the right to do that. But I think Mitski wants the audience to focus on the moment of the live show, like she said "it makes me feel as though those of us on stage are being taken from and consumed as content, instead of getting to share a moment with you"

 

[Viking Dan]

When you have 15 people in front of you holding their arms up taking video for almost the entire set, that takes away from the experience of everyone around you. Not to mention it's even worse for shorter people who already can't see behind people's heads half the time.

I don't foresee any artist asking you to not be at the bar, unless you're actively ruining the experience for others talking loudly or laughing during a slower song or quiet moment. It's basically just a 'you can do what you want but don't be a dick to the rest of the audience' concern.

I agree about Tweedy, I'd sit as well. Kind of hate seated shows where sometimes you have people standing and then you have to stand, but maybe a few rows back some people are sitting. Being forced to stand because you can't see sucks.

Co-sign all of this.

I certainly subscribe to the Dont be a Dick ethos at a show.
But I also subscribe to the don't tell me I have to enjoy this a certain way ethos.

I advocate for erring on the "Dont' Be a Dick" side of that coin.
But sometimes the artist needs to be the one taking that advice,

Not saying that was Mitski here - but I've been at shows where it was. And the post and got me thinking about "recording in 2022" and how maybe video/phones is the default with anything other than legacy acts with a tapers' following - and what does that mean going forward?

 

[wokeupnew]

Co-sign all of this.

I certainly subscribe to the Dont be a Dick ethos at a show.
But I also subscribe to the don't tell me I have to enjoy this a certain way ethos.

I advocate for erring on the "Dont' Be a Dick" side of that coin.
But sometimes the artist needs to be the one taking that advice,

Not saying that was Mitski here - but I've been at shows where it was. And the post and got me thinking about "recording in 2022" and how maybe video/phones is the default with anything other than legacy acts with a tapers' following - and what does that mean going forward?

agreed. I added another point in an edit to my original post that's worth repeating.

Also, this is an assumption on my part, but I think the vast majority of people recording almost the whole show are probably not part of the taper community. Mitski's fanbase is younger, so mostly young people who're sharing with their friends on social media. We all have that friend who posts 25 instagram stories of being at the back of a crowd at the show with awful audio. I can agree with you that that person has all the right to do that. But I think Mitski wants the audience to focus on the moment of the live show, like she said "it makes me feel as though those of us on stage are being taken from and consumed as content, instead of getting to share a moment with you"

I think recording in 2022 is not something that is going to change anytime soon, but we all could benefit from being in the moment more during live shows, otherwise why spend that money to see the artist perform?

 

[Colonel4Bin]

Saw Brandee Younger & Dezron Douglas play last night, the first time they have performed as a duo in front of a live audience. Hard to believe, but I guess that’s what a pandemic will do.

In any case, incredible performance..two sets featuring many tracks from Force Majeure, a couple Alice Coltrane, a Dorothy Ashby tune, and a few others mixed in.

I spoke with both of them after the show. Dezron mentioned that his quartet has a new release coming out on International Anthem, likely in October.

I learned of Dezron several months back when he joined the Trey Anastasio Band as their new bassist, following the passing of their longtime bassist Tony Markelis. He immediately made them a better band. He is really, really talented and brought them to a level they haven't been in a long time, pushing Trey and the rest of the band to new landscapes. Immediately made me check out some of his stuff and its really great. Looking forward to that new release!