Music
Kurt Elling Show Review
I am a strong believer that the best way to enjoy music is while standing up. This applies to almost every concert I have ever attended-—and after attending Kurt Elling’s performance at the Sheraton Center, my belief was reaffirmed. … read more
Of Montreal Show Review
A faint low rumble starts to ensue, and the crowd isn’t sure if it’s still the irritating sound crew, or if it’s Of Montreal’s set about to begin. Much to the crowds pleasure, Kevin Barnes, a familiar face, jumps onstage flamboyantly dressed in tight red jeans (which would later be removed) and a tight white shirt emblazed with a pink tiger on the front. … read more
Cattle Decapitation, Goatwhore, Daath and 13th Cadaver
The relatively small crowd that this show drew shocked me; there may have been around 60 people there, if that. The all-ages live music scene has become truly depressing in the past few months. I swear if a huge band isn’t on the bill like Gwar or Slayer no one comes to the show. I’d like to hope that it was the bad weather that kept people off the roads that night, and not apathy. … read more
Jello Biafra Show Review
When Jello Biafra spoke at the Oplin Ballroom, I must admit, that I wasn’t quite prepared for the performance that I was about to see. At 7 p.m., the legendary activist and ex-lead singer of the Dead Kennedys came on stage dressed as a judge, complete with a cop hat that was embellished with a huge cross. … read more
Bane, Strike Anywhere, A Global Threat, This is Hell
Going into this show, I didn’t know what kind of a crowd this package would draw. I anticipated A Global Threat would bring the punks in spades, while Bane and This is Hell were sure to bring out more than a handful of hardcore kids. But was there any crossover fan base between those bands and Strike Anywhere? … read more
Futureheads at In the Venue
The Futureheads were something of an enigma to me. I was overly familiar with the hype that swirled around them but after two or three casual listens to their debut album, I can’t say that I was committed to my own opinion. … read more
I Went To Warped Tour and All I Got was...
Going to a music festival in 100 degree weather is crazy. Sweating while just standing still, in the shade, just isn’t the time for a circle pit. Warped Tour is something that I used to plan my summer around, but the traveling punk rock festival just ain’t what it used to be. … read more
A Street Punk Bonanza: The Unseen, The Casualties and Anti...
This show was quite the trip down punk rock memory lane. Although it was over before midnight and half the crowd wasn’t even old enough to drive, it was a pretty decent way to waste a Wednesday night. … read more
A Global Threat Show Review
After basically loosing my voice and being hit enough times standing on the outskirts of the pit, I must say that this is one show I will remember long after the bruises fade and my voice returns to its normal high octave. … read more
Enter the Warlocks
Las Vegas is one of those places that look pretty on a postcard but unless you’re one of those who have mastered the tables, it all tends to be depressing. Sadly, or perhaps fortunately, at the edge of it all is my favorite venue: The House of Blues (the Vegas branch, that is). … read more