Upcoming/Recent Shows

Sons of Kemet (and anything Shabaka Hutchings is involved in) are not to be missed in a live setting. Electric.

greaterkind

Local jazz fusion/jazz-funk from Portland, Oregon! Cool, groovy set. Seems like the jazz openers lean towards higher quality than other genres, which holds true here. Wouldn't mind seeing them again on a cheaper bill as a headliner in the future.

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Sons of Kemet

Truly amazing and captivating. Danceable, energy never relented, and each member brought a unique element to the equation (yes, each of the two drummers had subtle differences in their contributions). In particular, Theon Cross (tuba) was the most impressive to me with his breath control and his ability to play two notes at the same time (multiphonic technique) with emphatic authority.
My second time seeing a Shabaka-led band, and I almost wasn't able to go. Relieved I didn't miss out; this was incredible. Definitely a can't miss band if you are even mildly intrigued, the energy is indescribable.

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Now that I've seen more shows than in '19 and '20 combined in just this year, I'll have to make a concert tier list at year's end. Sons of Kemet are top-echelon, to be sure.

EDIT: Misspelled word.
Seeing them Saturday night! Thanks for the review, excited for this.
 
Caught King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard last night on the US tour kickoff. Couldn't have asked for a better show. Solid from beginning to end, and just mind-blowing how good every single one of these guys are, and how effortless they make such complex songs seem. The venue isn't typically my favorite since it's almost always cramped seats and they have an early curfew - they were on from 8:45-10:15, but this being GA made it a whole lot better. It's right on a harbor, and a people will paddle up in kayaks for shows, going to have to try that sometime. Awesome poster too!

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Rad poster! I’m seeing them Sunday & Monday!
 
Well, it finally happened. A quite disappointing show from last night's black midi (w/Injury Reserve) concert. First time I've been disappointed by a show that I've paid for.

Injury Reserve

Their performance went for ~40min, but was laced with technical difficulties in the first two songs and the final ~10min which might have been because of Ritchie's microphone being defective. He signaled over event staff at least three times to get his volume fixed, which seemed like a lack preparation on both parties. Two songs during the beginning of the set were performed entirely without vocals/rapping when there should have been, but it ultimately sounded awkward hearing electronic/experimental noise without any kind of lyrical context behind it. I lost patience with this duo almost immediately to the point that if they were the headliner of the night, I would have walked out 20min in.

The audience was separated by two barricades (distinguishing 21+ and younger), but the audience wasn't energized/frenzied whatsoever during Injury Reserve's set to cause problems for event staff...at the time. Nothing that they performed had much impact at all.

I discussed with a couple of nearby gentlemen behind me in 21+ section we were in after their set concluded and we all agreed it was quite a disappointment.

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black midi

This wasn't much better, in my opinion.

They started off the set with the electric "953" from Schlagenheim, which was killer. However, the moment that the drummer intro'd in, the under 21 section immediately started to violently move the barricades and began to mosh. Event staff immediately moved to push against the crowd to keep momentum from spilling over into my section, but they ultimately wouldn't be able to sustain the crowd.

Around the time of the third song in their setlist, event staff thought that the wise (not really) idea would be to take out the poles of both barricades and mesh both crowds together with one another, as it was a lost cause to keep the younger crowd tempered. It immediately became uncomfortable with the moshing spilling over to a couple feet within me, which had me moving back to a safer part of the crowd albeit with a disadvantageous view given my lack of height. I didn't take many photos at all and just settled to the decision of trying to enjoy the live performance.

As for the music past the first ~15min or so, outside of the drummer, I couldn't distinguish instruments clearly at all. The mixing and sound design was very cluttered and confusing. I was not impressed at all. Apparently, they played for ~80min but it seemed quicker than that. No encore but I'm thankful there wasn't; I was sandwiched in with nowhere to go for far too long.

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Ultimately, I wouldn't see either again.
 
My first Jack White solo experience last night in Cincinnati. No phone because of Jack's rules.

Geese opened up the show. I didn't really understand their brand of post punk and math rock with a Strokes fetish. I was, however, mesmerized by their drummer, who was also celebrating his birthday last night and was going at it the whole set. The rest of the band was a noisy snoozefest and I don't get the hype that this band has received. I think the crowd agreed.

Jack came on a little after 9. Having seen The Raconteurs but never The White Stripes or Dead Weather, I was excited to hear not only his solo material but also some White Stripes. Well, he didn't disappoint there, playing at least 10 White Stripes songs. The new material was rocking, but we only got 3 from Fear of Dawn and 1 from Entering Heaven Alive. Zero from Boarding House Reach. Crowd was a bit lackluster in terms of energy, but the band tried their best.

Overall I think I enjoyed The Raconteurs more than last night's show, but I'm glad I went.
 
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Well, it finally happened. A quite disappointing show from last night's black midi (w/Injury Reserve) concert. First time I've been disappointed by a show that I've paid for.

Injury Reserve

Their performance went for ~40min, but was laced with technical difficulties in the first two songs and the final ~10min which might have been because of Ritchie's microphone being defective. He signaled over event staff at least three times to get his volume fixed, which seemed like a lack preparation on both parties. Two songs during the beginning of the set were performed entirely without vocals/rapping when there should have been, but it ultimately sounded awkward hearing electronic/experimental noise without any kind of lyrical context behind it. I lost patience with this duo almost immediately to the point that if they were the headliner of the night, I would have walked out 20min in.

The audience was separated by two barricades (distinguishing 21+ and younger), but the audience wasn't energized/frenzied whatsoever during Injury Reserve's set to cause problems for event staff...at the time. Nothing that they performed had much impact at all.

I discussed with a couple of nearby gentlemen behind me in 21+ section we were in after their set concluded and we all agreed it was quite a disappointment.

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black midi

This wasn't much better, in my opinion.

They started off the set with the electric "953" from Schlagenheim, which was killer. However, the moment that the drummer intro'd in, the under 21 section immediately started to violently move the barricades and began to mosh. Event staff immediately moved to push against the crowd to keep momentum from spilling over into my section, but they ultimately wouldn't be able to sustain the crowd.

Around the time of the third song in their setlist, event staff thought that the wise (not really) idea would be to take out the poles of both barricades and mesh both crowds together with one another, as it was a lost cause to keep the younger crowd tempered. It immediately became uncomfortable with the moshing spilling over to a couple feet within me, which had me moving back to a safer part of the crowd albeit with a disadvantageous view given my lack of height. I didn't take many photos at all and just settled to the decision of trying to enjoy the live performance.

As for the music past the first ~15min or so, outside of the drummer, I couldn't distinguish instruments clearly at all. The mixing and sound design was very cluttered and confusing. I was not impressed at all. Apparently, they played for ~80min but it seemed quicker than that. No encore but I'm thankful there wasn't; I was sandwiched in with nowhere to go for far too long.

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Ultimately, I wouldn't see either again.
are shows at this venue typically good? from reading your post it sounds like they helped make it a less than enjoyable experience. maybe seeing them play elsewhere would be better?

anyway, sorry to hear.
 
My first Jack White solo experience last night in Cincinnati. No phone because of Jack's rules.

Geese opened up the show. I didn't really understand their brand of post punk and math rock with a Strokes fetish. I was, however, mesmerized by their drummer, who was also celebrating his birthday last night and was going at it the whole set. The rest of the band was a noisy snoozefest and I don't get the hype that this band has received. I think the crowd agreed.

Jack came on a little after 9. Having seen The Raconteurs but never The White Stripes or Dead Weather, I was excited to hear not only his solo material but also some White Stripes. Well, he didn't disappoint there, playing at least 10 White Stripes songs. The new material was rocking, but we only got 3 from Fear of Dawn and 1 from Entering Heaven Alive. Zero from Boarding House Reach. Crowd was a bit lackluster in terms of energy, but the band tried their best.

Overall I think I enjoyed The Raconteurs more than last night's show, but I'm glad I went.
I wonder if not having phones will make people enjoy the show less? Not being able to take pictures to share with friends could change someone's mood. Like, if I didn't take a picture of this thing I did, did I really do it?
 
are shows at this venue typically good? from reading your post it sounds like they helped make it a less than enjoyable experience. maybe seeing them play elsewhere would be better?

anyway, sorry to hear.
Yeah, I'm not too huge on this place (Wonder Ballroom). I think I've seen 5 shows here altogether? I saw Squid here for the second time and it was fine. But it was killer (and ~$15 cheaper) the first time at my fave venue, Doug Fir Lounge.

I feel like the staff here are unprepared for more aggressive concerts. It's fine when not (Caroline Polachek, etc.), but even when not, my friendly experiences with staff are not overly common.

They usually want everyone out of the building within 10min of the set ending, so signed merch is almost always a no go. This is also Portland we are talking about so when you step outside at the end of a concert, it is almost always sub 50°F. My opinion that they should allow ~30min for concertgoers to call an Uber/Lyft especially for the younger crowd if needed while waiting inside.

They also charge higher ticket fees (and a BS "order fee" exclusive to them) compared to the other smaller venues. I would consider Wonder Ballroom to be a small/medium venue [~800 cap], for comparison.

But ultimately, I've been more than satisfied with my hit rate since I started doing this. Just had to have one dud happen eventually.
 
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Was supposed to see Spoon tomorrow in Philly, but they had to reschedule due to a band / crew member testing positive for covid. I'm devastated. I have to have surgery next Friday, so not only will I miss RSD, I'm gonna miss the last show I was supposed to see pre operation. Wanted to see Pedro the Lion in Philly on the 24th, but I'll still be recovering. Uggghh.

Sorry for complaining. I know I'm very fortunate.
 
Caught Sons of Kemet on the last show of their US tour, with Melanie Charles opening at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, Ca.

Melanie was excellent - took the stage w/ no mic and immediately caught the attention of the room. Set consisted of some sampled/reworked jazz standards and originals, accompanied by a drummer. Wasn't familiar with her at all - but really enjoyed her set, and picked up her album (which she was kind enough to autograph).

Sons of Kemet were absolutely amazing. A straight-up ebb and flow of grooves with top-tier talent from everyone. Loved seeing a Tuba as a lead instrument.

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Caught Sons of Kemet on the last show of their US tour, with Melanie Charles opening at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, Ca.

Melanie was excellent - took the stage w/ no mic and immediately caught the attention of the room. Set consisted of some sampled/reworked jazz standards and originals, accompanied by a drummer. Wasn't familiar with her at all - but really enjoyed her set, and picked up her album (which she was kind enough to autograph).

Sons of Kemet were absolutely amazing. A straight-up ebb and flow of grooves with top-tier talent from everyone. Loved seeing a Tuba as a lead instrument.

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That Melanie Charles album is a gem! What a show!!
 
Cross-post from the Wilco Thread:
Wilco - United Palace Theater - 4.19.22

Unlike any Wilco show I've ever seen.
It was like they were re-recording YHF only live.
It was a note for note/sound for sound recreation of the album but live.

Also - the addition of the string section and horns was a revelation.
It allowed them to flesh out some deep deep cuts.

Also Reservations was perfect.
The entire theater was dead silent until the last note totally faded out.
Fucking epic.

Then the encore leading off with Be Not So Fearful (one of my all times and I had never seen it live).
Followed by Pieholden Suite and Magazine Called Sunset (of which the horns and strings really made this one sing).

Then they blew the doors off the place with the double barrel of I Got You and and Outtasite.

Its in the list of my top five shows for sure.
This calls for a special PIF. (Check the thread)


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I had been seeing "The War on Drugs" yesterday night in the Palladium venue in Cologne. It has a capacity of around 4000 people and wasn't completely sold out, but I think very close to that. A friend of mine had a spare ticket, and this was my first concert since Covid started over here (my last one was Morrissey on March 10th 2020 at the exact same venue, the next day literally all concerts in Germany got canceled for a long time).

It was so great to finally go to a live show again. The crowd was very pleasant and relaxed. Support band had been Lo Moon, which was solid.

"The War on Drugs" had an excellent sound, the instruments came out really well. They played about 17 songs, most from their current album. My favorites had been "Red Eyes", "I don't wanna wait", "I don't live here anymore" and "Occasional rain". All songs very enjoyable. I wasn't too close to the stage, so the few pictures I've taken with my phone aren't too sharp, but they give some basic idea of the band on the stage.

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Rina Sawayama was AMAZING in Portland last night OMG!

HANA

Opener whose name I'd heard from a few guest appearances, particularly on Grimes's "We Appreciate Power." Her set ran half an hour.

I didn't recognize any of her solo songs to be honest, but her music is quite energetic. She even played guitar for a pair of tracks near the beginning of her set. She finished off her set with a 10+ minute DJ mix that had a fun house track transitioning into the aforementioned "We Appreciate Power."

I'll be adding her full-lengths from her discography to my backlog.

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Interlude music between opener and headliner was top-tier (SOPHIE, Kylie Minogue, Charli XCX, Robyn, and Britney Spears from what I remember). With the music blasted much louder than normal during this period, I'd approximate at least a third of the crowd was singing/shouting along during the songs here.


Rina Sawayama

So good. I have been sorta on the fence with Rina's music (her debut SAWAYAMA from '20 in particular), but her live performance was a blast! Full of fervor and the crowd was full of LGBTQIA+ love.

Rina led in with a dramatic entrance accompanied with backup dancers and her backing musicians. After performing three songs, she underwent a costume change which she would keep for the remainder of the concert. Lots of call-and-response with the crowd along with a couple of icebreakers to get us loose, with self-love messages from Rina in between songs. At least three times, she had the crowd (and those in the upper balcony) jumping in unison with some of the more energetic cuts, which was pretty cool. She even performed a city-pop track near the end, along with having the crowd wave cell phone flashlights in the air during "Chosen Family." Lots and lots of crowd interaction, as you can tell!

Just before the final song of her standard set, the applause was deafening (seriously) with Rina commenting about how even though Portland wasn't the largest venue she's played on the tour, we were "without doubt" the loudest. 🔥

Set ran about ~75min including encore of "XS." Safe to say I'm a fan of her live performance.

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Footage of "Comme des Garçons":

 
Rina Sawayama was AMAZING in Portland last night OMG!

HANA

Opener whose name I'd heard from a few guest appearances, particularly on Grimes's "We Appreciate Power." Her set ran half an hour.

I didn't recognize any of her solo songs to be honest, but her music is quite energetic. She even played guitar for a pair of tracks near the beginning of her set. She finished off her set with a 10+ minute DJ mix that had a fun house track transitioning into the aforementioned "We Appreciate Power."

I'll be adding her full-lengths from her discography to my backlog.

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Interlude music between opener and headliner was top-tier (SOPHIE, Kylie Minogue, Charli XCX, Robyn, and Britney Spears from what I remember). With the music blasted much louder than normal during this period, I'd approximate at least a third of the crowd was singing/shouting along during the songs here.


Rina Sawayama

So good. I have been sorta on the fence with Rina's music (her debut SAWAYAMA from '20 in particular), but her live performance was a blast! Full of fervor and the crowd was full of LGBTQIA+ love.

Rina led in with a dramatic entrance accompanied with backup dancers and her backing musicians. After performing three songs, she underwent a costume change which she would keep for the remainder of the concert. Lots of call-and-response with the crowd along with a couple of icebreakers to get us loose, with self-love messages from Rina in between songs. At least three times, she had the crowd (and those in the upper balcony) jumping in unison with some of the more energetic cuts, which was pretty cool. She even performed a city-pop track near the end, along with having the crowd wave cell phone flashlights in the air during "Chosen Family." Lots and lots of crowd interaction, as you can tell!

Just before the final song of her standard set, the applause was deafening (seriously) with Rina commenting about how even though Portland wasn't the largest venue she's played on the tour, we were "without doubt" the loudest. 🔥

Set ran about ~75min including encore of "XS." Safe to say I'm a fan of her live performance.

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Footage of "Comme des Garçons":


I've watched Rina's Coachella performance online on the last weekend and liked it very much. Though it was shorter than a full live show, you really could feel the energy. Glad you've enjoyed it that much, sounds really good. I hope I can catch her live in Germany within the next years.
 
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