Local Music Nation

New Music Tuesday 8/28/12 featuring The Dunwells, Abandoned Pools, and Kitten

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:47:42 -0700

Looking for new music? Check out these bands that have new releases today!

The Dunwells â Blind Sighted Faith

This British folk rock band is re-releasing their debut album today in the US. They are one of my favorite discoveries this year and I love this album. The catchy first single, âI Could Be a Kingâ made my SXSW â12 mix, but the more I listen to Blind Sighted Faith, the more I fall in love with the beautifully harmonious âOnly Meâ. The band will be on Jay Leno this Friday.

[youtube XA-8O0THXLU]

Abandoned Pools â Sublime CurrencyÂ

Abandoned Pools have some shows coming up in the LA area to celebrate the release of their new record, Sublime Currency (tonight at The Hotel Cafe, Sept. 15^th at The Roxy). Soâ¦letâs get on to the listening so we can sing along at the shows. Based on this lyric video, I like the direction the band seems to be headed!

[youtube Gn77zKO4OIo]

Kitten â Cut It OutÂ

I heard this song the other day and almost didnât even recognize the band. I love it and canât wait to hear more from the Cut It Out EP that was released today. Â Kitten is doing a residency next month at Bootleg Bar playing free shows every Monday night!

[youtube Y2YcRWh4RPI]

Even more recommendations:

Ingram Hill â Ingram Hill http://www.rockridgemusic.com/ingramhill/
Alanis Morrisette â Havoc and Bright http://www.alanis.com/
Sheppard - SheppardÂ http://wearesheppard.com/
Circa Survive â Violent Waves http://circasurvive.com/
Uncle Lucius â And You Are Me http://uncleluciusmusic.com/
Maia Sharp â Change the Ending http://www.maiasharp.com/news.php

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 8/27-9/2

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 13:23:55 -0700

I only have one thing to mention this week. Tuesday night High Voltage Magazine is throwing a party in Santa Monica at TRiP. If youâre in town, you should come. We will have our newest edition of the magazine in which I showcased another band that I feel is âon the riseâ. To see which band I selected, youâll just have to check out the issue. There will also, of course, be some fantastic bands playing (Roman Candle Wars, The Young Romans, Italian Japanese, and The Janks). And did I mention cupcakes? There will also be cupcakes.

Here are my other show recommendations this week. Weâve got a couple great acts from Philadelphia in town this week playing at The Hotel Cafe: Hoots & Hellmouth on Weds and Adam Arcuragi on Thursdayâ¦sorry I guess that was a second thing I wanted to mentionâ¦

Monday: Jess Furman, Air Traffic Controller, and Bleu at The Hotel Cafe (7,8,9)
ALSO: Max and The Moon FREE at Bootleg Bar (9pm)
ALSO: Wildcat!Wildcat! FREE at The Echo (11pm)
ALSO: Francisco The Man at The Satellite FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Haim at The Smell (8pm)
ALSO: Keaton Simons, Nikki Leonti and more at WitZend (7pm)
ALSO: Fire in the Hamptons at The Central (10pm)
ALSO: Monday in the Round at Room 5 featuring Ryan Darton, Irene Diaz, Phoebe Bridgers, and Joel Eckels (9pm)

Tuesday: High Voltage Party at TRiP Santa Monica featuring Roman Candle Wars, The Young Romans, Italian Japanese, and The Janks (8pm)
ALSO: Tommy Walter (Abandoned Pools) and Wakey!Wakey! at The Hotel Cafe (8,9)
ALSO: The Ross Sea Party and The Dead Ships at The Central (10,11)
ALSO: The Record Company at Harvard & Stone (?)
ALSO: Beachwoodâs Summer Piano Bar Sessions FREE at The Piano Bar (9pm)

Weds: David & Devine and Hoots & Hellmouth at The Hotel Cafe (8,9)
ALSO: Je Tâaime at Skinnyâs Lounge in NoHo (9pm)
ALSO: Makepeace Brothers at WitZend (9pm)

Thursday: Adam Arcuragi at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Terra Naomi and Sonia Rao at WItZend (8,10)
ALSO: The Record Company at Los Globos (10pm)
ALSO: Nina Storey at Molly Maloneâs (9pm)

Friday: Desaparecidos at The Troubadour (10:15)
ALSO: Irontom and Maudlin Strangers at El Cid (10:30, 11:30)
ALSO: The Janks at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Mind the Gap acoustic at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Jesse Thomas at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Old 97âs at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: John Williams at The Hollywood Bowl (8pm)

Saturday: John Williams at The Hollywood Bowl (8pm)
ALSO: Clare Means at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Red Circle Underground at The Roxy (11pm)
ALSO: Old 97âs at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: FYF featuring Warpaint, Tanlines, Chairlift, Two Gallants, and more at L.A. State Historic Park Â (noon)

Sunday: Jake Newton at Bootleg Bar (8pm)
ALSO: FYF featuring Desaparecidos, Against Me!, Cursive, and more at L.A. State Historic Park Â (noon)

To Keep in Mind:
September 4th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 7^th: The Silent Comedy at The El Rey
September 9th: The Ataris at The Roxy
September 12^th: Allen Stone at Hollywood Bowl
September 14th: Teitur at The Hotel Cafe
September 14th: The Hives at The Wiltern
September 19^th: Band of Skulls at The Fonda Theatre
September 20^th: Howie Day at The Hotel Cafe
September 22nd: Epicenter at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
September 22nd: Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
September 27^th: Mary Chapin Carpenter and Sara Watkins at Club Nokia
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 1st: Safety Suit at The Roxy
October 2nd: Garbage at The Hollywood Palladium
October 2nd: The Lumineers at The Fonda Theatre
October 4th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
October 6^th: Ben Howard at The Fonda Theatre
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 16^th: First Aid Kit at The Fonda Theatre
October 19th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
October 19th: Frightened Rabbit at The Troubadour
October 19^th: Allen Stone at The Music Box
October 20th: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Saint Rocke
October 24^th: The Darkness at Club Nokia
October 25^th: Bayside at Club Nokia
October 27^th: Queen Caveat at The Roxy
November 2nd: NEEDTOBREATHE at Fox Theater Pomona
November 3^rd: All American Rejects at The Wiltern
November 6th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre
November 8^th: The Kin at The Roxy
November 16^th: Joshua Radin and A Fine Frenzy at The Wiltern
November 20^th: The Postelles and Mayday Parade at House of Blues
November 20^th: Rachel Yamagata at The El Rey

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 8/20-8/26

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 17:45:09 -0700

Last week almost made me glad that I came back from vacation. From the phenomenal Birdy to new discovery SHEL to finally seeing The Dunwells to a private Dead Sara show to goth rock icon Peter Murphy to a hometown The Silent Comedy party, it was a busy week. The highlight had to be my impromptu run-in with the lead singer of Biffy Clyro, Simon Neil, outside The Roxy Monday night. I was shaky for days after and the slight persistent delirium really helped me through a difficult week back at the office.

Next week will have to be quite research-centric for me, but I am hoping to get out a time or two especially to see a couple former LA-based artists that have sadly left (Jay Nash and Truth & Salvage Co.).

Here are the rest of my picks:

Monday: Itâs a School Night at Bardot featuring Lucy Schwartz and Everest FREE (with RSVP) at Bardot (8:30)
ALSO: The Union Line, NO and Wildcat! Wildcat! FREE with RSVP (http://www.theecho.com/calendar/) at The Echo (9pm)
ALSO: Ryan Darton, Holly Conlan, Ertel, Meg Myers, and Special Guests FREE at Bootleg Bar (8pm)
ALSO: Francisco the Man FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Monday in the Round at Room 5 featuring Lee Ellen Starks, Michael Doman, Clare Means, and Joel Eckels (9pm)

Tuesday: The Other Side of Morning and The Trews at The Viper Room (9,10)
ALSO: Everest FREE at Amoeba (7pm)
ALSO: Western Scene FREE at Origami Vinyl (7pm)
ALSO: Tori Rogg at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Chris Price and Mike Viola at Bootleg Bar (7, 7:30)
ALSO: So & So at Bootleg Bar (10:30)â¦different show from the one above
ALSO: Maxim Ludwig at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Polica at The Echoplex (8:30)
ALSO: Free Dominguez and Ours at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: Brandi Carlile at House of Blues Anaheim
ALSO: Casey Abrams at The Key Club (7pm)
ALSO: Beachwoodâs Summer Piano Bar Sessions FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

Weds: Jay Nash and Garrison Starr at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Act As If at On the Rox (10pm)
ALSO: David and Devine at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Makepeace Brothers at WitZend (9pm)
ALSO: Jared Lee at The Viper Room (10pm)

Thursday: Erin McLaughlin, Jesse Thomas, The Rescues, and Mariah McManus at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Frank + Derol, Morning Parade and Civil Twilight at The El Rey (7pm)
ALSO: Terra Naomi and Sonia Rao at WitZend (8,10)
ALSO: Stonefeather at Amplyfi (9:45)
ALSO: Jonny Polonsky and State to State at Bootleg Bar (9,10)
ALSO: Viza at The Troubadour (10:15)

Friday: Truth & Salvage Co. with Foster Timms at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Mind the Gap at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Patrick Park, Jamestown Revival, and Robert Schwartzman at Bootleg Bar (9, 10, 11)
ALSO: Satellite at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Heâs My Brother, Sheâs My Sister FREE at California Plaza Downtown LA (noon)
ALSO: Jesse Malin and Alejandro Escovedo at The Mint (9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: Frank + Derol at The Central (8pm)

Saturday: No, Voxhaul Broadcast, Youngblood Hawke and more FREE at The Echo/The Echoplex/Taix for Echo Park Rising (11pm-late)â¦RSVP here http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/154637?utm_medium=bks
ALSO: Charlotte Martin and The Gallery at The Hotel Cafe (8, 11:30)
ALSO: Jessie Payo at WitZend (9pm)
ALSO: Hell or Highwater at The Viper Room (midnight)
ALSO: The Dollyrots and Go Betty Go at The Troubadour (10,11)

Sunday: VH1 Save the Music Benefit at The Hotel Cafe featuring Keaton Simons, Curtis Peoples, and more (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
August 28th: High Voltage Party at Tripp
September 1st & 2nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 7^th: The Silent Comedy at The El Rey
September 9th: The Ataris at The Roxy
September 14th: Teitur at The Hotel Cafe
September 14th: The Hives at The Wiltern
September 20^th: Howie Day at The Hotel Cafe
September 22nd: Epicenter at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
September 22nd: Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 1st: Safety Suit at The Roxy
October 2nd: Garbage at The Hollywood Palladium
October 2nd: The Lumineers at The Fonda Theatre
October 4th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
October 6^th: Ben Howard at The Fonda Theatre
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 16^th: First Aid Kit at The Fonda Theatre
October 19th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
October 19th: Frightened Rabbit at The Troubadour
October 19^th: Allen Stone at The Music Box
October 20th: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Saint Rocke
October 24^th: The Darkness at Club Nokia
October 25^th: Bayside at Club Nokia
November 2nd: NEEDTOBREATHE at Fox Theater Pomona
November 3^rd: All American Rejects at The Wiltern
November 6th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre
November 16^th: Joshua Radin and A Fine Frenzy at The Wiltern
November 20^th: The Postelles and Mayday Parade at House of Blues
November 20^th: Rachel Yamagata at The El Rey

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 8/14/12

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:26:33 -0700

Looking for new tunes? Here are my listening suggestions for albums coming out this week:

The Dirty Guvânahs âÂ Â Somewhere Between These Southern Skies

One of my favorite discoveries from Bonnaroo this year was The Dirty Guvânahs. Â Iâve been loving the single, 3000 Miles, and from what Iâve heard so far, the rest of the album delivers more of that southern rock sound I enjoy. This album is a must on my list.

[youtube nYvcVl_3H5E]

Charlie Mars â Blackberry Rain

Listening to the first song off this album, I am captivatedâ¦

[youtube zW7PUKvN3zQ]

The Classic Crime â Phoenix

When browsing through the new releases for this week, The Classic Crime, jumped out at me. I havenât heard from this Seattle rock band in a couple years, but Iâve been a fan for a while and I canât wait to hear what they have been up to. Iâm skimming through the podcasts they have up on bandcamp and hearing much potential in the tantalizing tidbits of music.

[youtube YQ-6_Mo9mrU]

Yellowcard â Southern Air

This year there has been a bit of a resurgence of Yellowcard in my life. The band played a couple acoustic tunes at the Warped Tour kickoff party at Club Nokia and then I saw them again at Warped Tour where they played songs off Ocean Avenue and reminded me why I was in love with that album. Yellowcard still holds a place in my heart and Iâm looking forward to hearing more of their signature brand of California punk-pop laced with electric violin (forever and always my favorite aspect of Yellowcard).

Hereâs the lead-off track from Southern Air. I like it!

[youtube IUF62BC5AFU]

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 8/13-8/19

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 15:29:35 -0700

Vacation is over. The Olympics are over. All the work I didnât get done because of vacation and The Olympics is piling up. I was in a pretty dismal state until I looked at my upcoming music calendar. So much to look forward to and keep me going! This week, Iâm particularly excited about Birdy at The Roxy on Monday, The Dunwells at The Hotel Cafe Tuesday, and Danielia Cotton at Room 5 on Weds. LMNâs new Band Love, The Neighbourhood, also plays twice this week, Monday at The Echo and Tuesday at The Troubadour. Then, let us not forget that it is Sunset Strip Music Fest (SSMF) week! For the full schedule and line-ups there, check out the website (http://www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com/).

There are a ton of great shows this week, so I hope you all can get out and hear some music! Here are my selections:

Monday: The Neighbourhood and Wildcat! Wildcat! FREE at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Birdy at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: 28 North, Franky Perez and the Truth, and Thomas Nicholas Band at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Francisco The Man FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Tony Lucca at the after show even for LAZR Trade Show at the Event Deck at LA Live (7pm)
ALSO: Jovanotti FREE at Amoeba Records (6pm)
ALSO: Elle King and Michael Kiwanuka at The Troubadour (8:30, 9:30)
ALSO: The Kills at Mayan Theater (8pm)
ALSO: Monday in the Round at Room 5 featuring Clarence Bucaro, Kristen Toedtman, Paulie Cerra and Joel Eckels (9pm)

Tuesday: The Dunwells with Shel and The Brendan Hines at The Hotel Cafe (8, 10)
ALSO: Chi McClean at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: The Neighbourhood at The Troubadour (9pm)
ALSO: Filter at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: The Kills at The Mayan Theatre (8pm)
ALSO: Michael Kiwanuka and Alabama Shakes at The Fonda Theatre (9pm)
ALSO: Beachwoodâs Summer Piano Bar Sessions FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)

Weds: Danielia Cotton at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Ivan & Alyosha at The Echo (10pm)
ALSO: Run Run Run at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Monsters Calling Home and Honeyhoney at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Makepeace Brothers at WitZend (9pm)
ALSO: Only Son and Kimya Dawson at the Smell (8pm)
ALSO: Michael Kiwanuka FREE at Amoeba Records (7pm)

Thursday: The Young Romans and Little Hurricane at The Hotel Cafe (7,8)
ALSO: Lady Sinatra at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Terra Naomi and Sonia Rao at WitZend (8,10)
ALSO: Peter Murphy at The Roxy (9pm)

Friday: George Stanford at WitZend (midnight)
ALSO: The Dahls at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Kitten at The Troubadour (8:30)
ALSO: fun. at The Wiltern (7:30)

Saturday: Alexz Johnson with Julia Sinclair at The Hotel Cafe (9:15)
ALSO: Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) at The Sunset Strip http://www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com/
ALSO: fun. at The Wiltern (7:30)

Sunday: Belmont Lights FREE at Santa Monica Place (2pm)
ALSO: Buddy and Meiko at Saint Rocke (8pm)
ALSO: fun. At The Wiltern (7:30)

To Keep in Mind:
August 23rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
August 25th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
August 28th: High Voltage Party at Tripp
September 1st & 2nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 7^th: The Silent Comedy at The El Rey
September 9th: The Ataris at The Roxy
September 14th: Teitur at The Hotel Cafe
September 14th: The Hives at The Wiltern
September 22nd: Epicenter at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
September 22nd: Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 1st: Safety Suit at The Roxy
October 2nd: Garbage at The Hollywood Palladium
October 2nd: The Lumineers at The Fonda Theatre
October 4th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
October 6^th: Ben Howard at The Fonda Theatre
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 16^th: First Aid Kit at The Fonda Theatre
October 19th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
October 19th: Frightened Rabbit at The Troubadour
October 19^th: Allen Stone at The Music Box
October 20th: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Saint Rocke
October 24^th: The Darkness at Club Nokia
November 2nd: NEEDTOBREATHE at Fox Theater Pomona
November 6th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre
November 20^th: The Postelles and Mayday Parade at House of Blues
November 20^th: Rachel Yamagata at The El Rey

~ Kristen

Watch This: Queen Caveat, The Neighbourhood, Belmont Lights

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:18:24 -0700

Some new videos came across my path today (despite the fact that my path was primarily Â Â taking me up the Napali coast via boat). I’m really excited about these videos and these bands, so I wanted to share…

Enjoy!

Queen Caveat - “Bullet”Â

I still think this is my favorite song off Queen Caveat’s EP,Â Slap on the Wrist. Queen Caveat shows at The Viper Room are always epic and this video does a great job at capturing some of that magic.

[youtube 8sM-7tizNGU]

The Neighbourhood - “Female Robbery”

Ever since I heard this song a few weeks ago, I’ve been obsessed with The Neighbourhood. This video is awesome and certainly doesn’t help my little problem…

Belmont Lights- “Lights/Both of Us” (Ellie Goulding/Taylor Swift Cover)

Recent discovery, Belmont Lights, showcases their hometown of San Diego beautifully in this video they did for this cover song. I’m having a blast picking out all the San Diego locales… I’m really enjoying this band right now!

[youtube bZM4BtkO8IM]

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

http://www.localmusicnation.net/> http://www.localmusicnation.net/

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 8/6-8/12

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:30:14 -0700

Im not exactly in LA his week, but that doesnt mean Im going to leave
you all hanging! What show am I most upset about missing? I think its a
tie between Monday night at Bardot with Jukebox the Ghost in town and
seeing recent discovery, Thomas Wynn & The Believers for the first time at
Bootleg Bar on Thursday. Then, of course, there is Green Day at The
Echoplex on Monday

Heres what else Id be up to this week if I were in town:

Monday: Its a School Night at Bardot featuring Jukebox the Ghost and
Garrison Starr (9pm)free with RSVP
http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Daniel Bedingfield at The Grammy Museum (7:30)
ALSO: Francisco The Man and Chasing Kings FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Green Day at The Echoplex…tickets go on sale Monday at 10am

Tuesday: Kevin Martin at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Beachwoods Summer Piano Bar Sessions FREE at The Piano Bar (8pm)
ALSO: Jesca Hoop at Largo (8pm)

Weds: Langhorne Slim & The Law at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Makepeace Brothers at WitZend (9pm)
ALSO: Inspired Flight at Zanzibar

Thursday: Thomas Wynn & The Believers at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Terra Naomi and Sonia Rao at WitZend (8,10)
ALSO: Olin & The Moon at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)
ALSO: Red Circle Underground at Amplyfi (9:45)

Friday: NO at The Central (10pm)
ALSO: FM Radio and Oak & Gorski at The Hotel Cafe (9, 11:30)
ALSO: Josh Damigo, George Stanford at WitZend (9,11)
ALSO: Lostprophets at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Liam Gerner at The Mint (8pm)
ALSO: Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons and Norah Jones at The Hollywood
Bowl (8pm)
ALSO: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium (8pm)
ALSO: Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies at HOB Sunset
ALSO: Novi Split at Perhrspace (9pm)

Saturday: Maudlin Strangers at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium (8pm)
ALSO: Stop Motion Poetry at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: The Janks at WitZend (10pm)

Sunday: Sharon Van Etten and Andrew Bird at The Greek Theater (7:30)

To Keep in Mind:
August 13th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14th: The Dunwells at The Hotel Café
August 14th: Filter at The Roxy
August 16th-18th: SSMF
August 19th: fun. at The Wiltern
August 23rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
August 25th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
August 28th: High Voltage Party at Tripp
September 1st & 2nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 9th: The Ataris at The Roxy
September 14th: Teitur at The Hotel Cafe
September 14th: The Hives at The Wiltern
September 22nd: Epicenter at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
September 22nd: Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
October 1st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 1st: Safety Suit at The Roxy
October 2nd: Garbage at The Hollywood Palladium
October 2nd: The Lumineers at The Fonda Theatre
October 4th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
October 11th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
October 19th: Frightened Rabbit at The Troubadour
October 20th: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Saint Rocke
November 2nd: NEEDTOBREATHE at Fox Theater Pomona
November 6th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 7/30-8/5

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 14:38:09 -0700

The Olympics have started! I am already completely hooked. Iâve watched swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, beach volleyball, weight lifting, soccer, cycling, dressage, fencing, archery, shooting, rowing, basketballâ¦well you get the picture. I am having a very difficult time pulling myself away enough to do much else. It is going to be difficult to get out to any shows this week and that is really saying something. I wonder if there is some sort of condition to define my predicamentâ¦

Honestly I feel like everything should shut down for two weeks, but unfortunately there are some amazing shows happening. If it werenât for my little Olympics obsession, hereâs what I would be out doing this week:

Monday: Terraplane Sun and The Silent Comedy FREE at The Satellite (11,12)
ALSO: The Short Eyes and Fine FREE at Silverlake Lounge (10,11)
ALSO: Paris Carney and friends and Songwriters in the Round featuring Joel Eckels, Liam Gerner, and Dawn Mitschele at Room 5 (8,9)
ALSO: Of Verona and Andy Clockwise at The Viper Room (10,11)
ALSO: Indians, Lindsay Rae Spurlock, Frank + Derol at Bardot (9pm)â¦free with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Carolina Liar, The Fray, and Kelly Clarkson at The Hollywood Bowl (7pm)
ALSO: Neon Trees at The Wiltern (6:30)

Tuesday: King Washington, Lovers Drugs, the Hunting Accident, Jason Faulkner and more at The Echoplex (7pm)
ALSO: The Local Strangers at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Nina Storey at Molly Maloneâs (9pm)
ALSO: Beachwood Sessions FREE at The Piano Bar featuring Dave Green and Tripp Rezac (8pm)

Weds: Jasmine Ash at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Chris Thile at Largo (two shows: 8pm and 10pm)

Thursday: Josh Fletcher, Alex Denzen, Jessie Payo, and Andy Davis at The Hotel Cafe (7,8,9,10)
ALSO: The Dead Ships and NO FREE at Pershing Square (7pm)
ALSO: Pan America and The Janks at The Viper Room (10,11)
ALSO: Terra Naomi and Sonia Rao at WitZend (8,10)
ALSO: Soul Asylum with Trapper Schoepp and The Shades at The Troubadour (8pm)

Friday: So & So and George Stanford at WitZend (9,11)
ALSO: Cory Chisel and the Wondering Sons at The El Rey (8pm)
ALSO: Belle Brigade FREE at California Plaza Downtown (noon)

Saturday: Band of Skulls at The Annenberg Space for Photography (7pm)â¦FREE with RSVP http://www.kcrw.com/events/who-shot-rock-roll
ALSO: Keaton Simons at The Troubadour (8pm)
ALSO: Western Scene at 3 of Clubs (9pm)
ALSO: Monsters Calling Home at Bootleg Bar (9pm)
ALSO: The 3^rd New Los Angeles Folk Festival at Zorthian Ranch in Altadena, CA (1pm)

Sunday: Italian Japanese at The Central (11pm)

To Keep in Mind:
August 8^th: Langhorne Slim & The Law at The Troubadour
August 10^thÂand 11^th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13^th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13^th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14^th: The Dunwells at The Hotel CafÃ©
August 14^th: Filter at The Roxy
August 16^th-18^th: SSMF
August 19^th: fun. at The Wiltern
August 23^rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24^th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
August 25^th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
August 28^th: High Voltage Party at Tripp
September 1^stÂ & 2^nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4^th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 9^th: The Ataris at The Roxy
September 14^th: Teitur at The Hotel Cafe
September 14^th: The Hives at The Wiltern
September 22^nd: Epicenter at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
September 22^nd: Sondre Lerche at The Troubadour
October 1^st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 1^st: Safety Suit at The Roxy
October 2^nd: Garbage at The Hollywood Palladium
October 2^nd: The Lumineers at The Fonda Theatre
October 4^th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
October 11^th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19^th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
October 19^th: Frightened Rabbit at The Troubadour
October 20^th: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Saint Rocke
November 2^nd: NEEDTOBREATHE at Fox Theater Pomona
November 6^th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 7/23-7/29

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 14:21:08 -0700

Due to my ever-expanding list of things undone and past due, I didnât get out to many shows last week. As each show-less day passed, I think I fell further and further down the rabbit hole of lethargy and despondency, which honestly does NOT make getting work done any easier. By the time Saturday rolled around, I had so little energy, I could barely move. I forced myself, however, to get downtown to Bloomfest LA and saw three amazing bands (NO, Grace Woodroofe, The Neighbourhood) and today, Iâm feeling energetic, happy and productive again. Itâs amazing how that worksâ¦ absolutely amazing.

Expect pictures from the event to come up on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/localmusicnation) soon, but seriously these are three groups you need to check out:

NO: http://nomusicfor.me/
Grace Woodroffe: http://gracewoodroofe.com.au/
The Neighbourhood: http://thenbhd.com/

Speaking of great music to check out, we have quite a few choice acts playing in LA this week. My pick of the week would have to go to Bethpage Black Sunday night at The Troubadour. Bethpage Black drummer, Steve Coy, needs to take a respite from drumming due to back issues, so this will be the bandâs last show for a bit. Donât miss out!

Hereâs the rest of my selections:

Monday: ~~Lovers Drugs FREE at The Silverlake Lounge (9pm)Â~~ (the band had to cancel)
ALSO: Alberta Cross FREE at Amoeba Records (7pm)
ALSO: Terraplane Sun FREE at The Satellite (11pm)
ALSO: Paul and the Kir at Molly Maloneâs (9pm)
ALSO: American Idol Live at Nokia Live (7pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

Tuesday: Dead Feather Moon at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Everest and Alberta Cross at The Troubadour (9:15, 10:15)
ALSO: Dave Green (of The Filthy Souls) at Hemingways (9:45)
ALSO: Parker Ainsworth and friends at WitZend (10pm)

Weds: Voxhaul Broadcast at The Troubadour (10:15)
ALSO: Holly Conlan at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Emery at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Act As If, Max and the Moon and The Dig FREE at Silverlake Lounge (9,10,11)
ALSO: Imagine Dragons, Walk The Moon, The Lumineers, The Joy Formidible at Paramount Studios (8pm)

Thursday: Daniel Bedingfield at The Mint (10:15)
ALSO: Jackie Greene FREE at The Santa Monica Pier (7pm)
ALSO: London Cries at The Viper Room (11pm)
ALSO: Marcus Very Ordinary at Bootleg Bar (9pm)

Friday: Madi Diaz, Cary Brothers, Harper Blynn, and Mind the Gap at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: mewithoutYou with Kevin Devine and Buried Beds at The Troubadour (8:30)
ALSO: Lady Danville FREE at California Plaza in Downtown LA (noon)
ALSO: New York Rifles at Amplyfi (9pm)

Saturday: A House for Lions at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Heâs My Brother, Sheâs My Sister and Red Circle Underground at The Roxy (8pm)
ALSO: Nick Waterhouse FREE at The Getty Center (7pm)

Sunday: Bethpage Black at The Troubadour (9:15)
ALSO: Fiona Apple at Hollywood Palladium (7pm)

To Keep in Mind:
July 30^th: The Silent Comedy at The Satellite
August 3^rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 4^th: Band of Skulls at The Annberg Space for Photography
August 8^th: Langhorne Slim & The Law at The Troubadour
August 10^thÂand 11^th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13^th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13^th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14^th: The Dunwells at The Hotel Cafe
August 16^th-18^th: SSMF
August 19^th: fun. at The Wiltern
August 23^rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24^th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
August 25^th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
September 1^stÂ & 2^nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4^th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 14^th: The Hives at The Wiltern
September 22^nd: Epicenter at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
October 1^st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 2^nd: Garbage at The Wiltern
October 4^th: The Milk Carton Kids at The Largo
October 11^th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19^th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
October 19^th: Frightened Rabbit at The Troubadour
October 20^th: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Saint Rocke
November 2^nd: NEEDTOBREATHE at Fox Theater Pomona
November 6^th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

[youtube Idj5_PwRl1k]

Watch This! Jasmine Ash, Thomas Wynn & The Believers, The Dirty Guv'nahs

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:15:18 -0700

Here are some videos I’ve been enjoying this week:

Jasmine Ash- âStarlightâÂ

Jasmine Ash quickly won me over with her debut CD, Beneath The Noise. Her new video for âStarlightâ exemplifies the fun and quirky Ash and her cute and catchy tunes. Come see the singer live at The Hotel Cafe August 1^st.

[youtube XMaL7_ZlLPs]

Thomas Wynn & The Believers â âI Donât RegretâÂ

Orlando-based Thomas Wynn has one of those instantly captivating voices. Then when Wynn and his band The Believers break it down in a song like âI Donât Regretâ, there are chills! Iâm very much looking forward to Thomas Wynn & The Believers LA appearance at The Bootleg August 9^th.

[youtube Xo4ZGwWb-5Q]

The Dirty Guvânahs â â3000 Milesâ

I became a fan of The Dirty Guvânahs after seeing them for the first time at Bonnaroo this summer. I love the theme behind this video for their song â3000 Milesâ, especially since itâs their live performance that really sold me on the band. Watching this video just makes me want to go to another show! Letâs hope the Knoxville, TN natives, can make it out to LA soon.

[youtube nYvcVl_3H5E]

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

New Music Tuesday 7/17/12 Featuring Milo Greene, Todd Carey, Alberta Cross

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:06:32 -0700

My favorite part about Tuesdays is the new music available for my ears. Here are some of the CDs Iâm going to check out today. If youâre also in the market for some tunes, Iâd suggest you do the same!

Milo Greene â Milo GreeneÂ

Itâs been about a year since LMN started talking about Milo GreeneÂ and the band have finally released their debut self-titled album. If you want to be swept away by the idyllic beauty of songs like âSilent Way,â do not hesitate to get this album (Amazon or Itunes). Itâs a keeper!

[youtube MDeWUYxZVHA]

Toddy Carey â The Duets ProjectÂ

Singer-songwriter, Todd Carey, has released an EP of his songs that he has transformed into duets with female artists like Amber Rubarth and Sarah Miles. Carey previews the EP, calling it âa stripped down revisiting of my catalogâ. You can listen to the tracks here http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/10 and buy the album here.

[youtube Jusm6vUE0cY]

Alberta Cross â Songs of PatienceÂ

Iâve only heard one song so far, but Iâm really looking forward to digesting the new album from Alberta Cross. Go to their website and download âMagnoliaâ for free! Then buy their album here.

[youtube 1h64NyujPlk]

Other CDs to check out today:

Saving Able http://www.savingabel.com/ - Bringing Down The Giant
Old Crow Medicine Show â Carry Me Back http://www.crowmedicine.com/
Susanna Hoffs â Somedayhttp://www.susannahoffs.com/
Matisyahu â Spark Seekerhttp://preorder.matisyahuworld.com/
Mark Tremonti â All I Was http://www.marktremonti.net/
Soul Asylum â Delayed Reaction http://enterthesoulasylum.com/
Missy Higgins â The Olâ Razzle Dazzle http://missyhiggins.com/
Jeff The Brotherhood â Hypnotic Nightshttp://www.jeffthebrotherhood.com/
Ray Tarintino â Ray Tarintinohttp://www.raytarantino.com/
Angus Stone â Broken Brightshttp://angusstone.com/

Listen! Learn! Love!

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 7/16-7/22

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 16:07:23 -0700

I feel like I missed out on a lot this weekend. Mostly, everything Comic-Con related: The Firefly reunion, the Lost Girl and Supernatural panels, all those new TV pilots, The Questionable Content guy, the Aushole gatheringâ¦Iâm still a bit sour about the whole thing. It was also my 10 year high school reunion this weekend, but honestly, that would have probably been more awkward and uncomfortable than being immersed in a sea of costume-wearing Trekkies speaking in Klingon. Â I did, however, get two references to Engelbert Humperdinck two days in a row, soâ¦thatâs exciting.

Moving forward, we have another great week for music ahead of us! If you havenât made it out to Terraplane Sunâs Monday night residency at The Satellite, this would be a great week to do so. Friday night Iâm looking forward to checking out Western Scene, a band built from the remnants of San Diegoâs Dynamite Walls. Then Saturday night, itâs time to celebrate George Stanfordâs record release at The Hotel Cafe. Hereâs what else Iâd recommend:

Monday: Terraplane Sun, The Mowgliâs, The Janks, Ry Cuming FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Keaton Simons at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Itâs a School Night at Bardot featuring Matisyahu, Foxes, Leftover Cuties, and The Royal You (9pm)â¦free with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Susanna Hoffs at The Grammy Museum (8pm)

Tuesday: Lovers Drugs at The Central (8pm)
ALSO: Milo Greene FREE at Amoeba Records (7pm)
ALSO: Foxes at The Bootleg Bar (10:30)
ALSO: Badwater at Amplyfi (8:15)

Weds: Indians FREE at 3 Clubs (9pm)
ALSO: Matt Simons and Chris Ayer at Room 5 (9,10)
ALSO: The Dig FREE at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)

Thursday: Butterfly Boucher and Missy Higgins at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: Lovers Drugs and Picture Atlantic at Lot 1 (8pm)
ALSO: The Active Set, Hello Vegas, Of Verona at Bootleg Bar (10pm)
ALSO: Mind the Gap, Josh Tatum, So & So, and London Cries at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Bobby Long, Naia Kete, Jen Hirsh at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9, 10)
ALSO: Jessie Payo, Bryan Rooney, Belmont Lights at WitZend (8pm)
ALSO: NO at the Del Monte Speakeasy (9pm)

Friday: Western Scene at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Barcelona at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Howlin Rain at Saint Rocke (9pm)
ALSO: Haim FREE at California Plaza Downtown LA (12pm)
ALSO: Satellite and Uncle Daddy at WitZend (8pm)

Saturday: George Stanford and Brian Wright at The Hotel Cafe (11,12)â¦George Stanfordâs Record Release Show
ALSO: Bloomfest LA featuring NO, Grace Woodroofe, The Neighbourhood, and more! FREE downtown LAÂ http://www.bloomfestla.com/

Sunday: Jim Bianco at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
July 25^th: Emery at The Roxy
July 25^th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel CafÃ©
July 30^th: The Silent Comedy at The Satellite
August 3^rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 4^th: Band of Skulls at The Annberg Space for Photography
August 8^th: Langhorne Slim & The Law at The Troubadour
August 10^thÂand 11^th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13^th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13^th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14^th: The Dunwells at The Hotel Cafe
August 16^th-18^th: SSMF
August 19^th: fun. at The Wiltern
August 23^rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24^th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
September 1^stÂ & 2^nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4^th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 14^th: The Hives at The Wiltern
September 22^nd: Epicenter at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
October 1^st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 2^nd: Garbage at The Wiltern
October 11^th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19^th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
October 19^th: Frightened Rabbit at The Troubadour
October 20^th: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers at Saint Rocke
November 2^nd: NEEDTOBREATHE at Fox Theater Pomona
November 6^th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

Kristen's Wedding Mix '12- A Selection

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:32:41 -0700

I have a friend who is getting married at the end of this month so obviously, I am making her a lovely wedding/marriage themed mixed CD. In the process of combing through my music library to select the perfect songs, Iâve realized that many of the songs that one might classify as âlove songsâ arenât really that at all. Well, there are a lot of songs about love, but I feel that they are mostly about love lost, a yearning for love, or what might more appropriately be labeled âlustâ songs.

Another challenge is keeping the ratio of slow songs to more upbeat numbers reasonable. Ballads are great, but there can be rock songs about love and marriage, right? right??

Overall this has been a fun little exercise as itâs encouraged me to take a closer listen to some of my favorite songs. I thought I’d share some of my selections, so here are my top five cuts from my first wedding mix:

1)Â Â Â Â Â âMountainsâ â Biffy Clyro

I firmly believe this to be the most romantic song ever written. I think for full impact, one must read the bookÂ OnlyÂ RevolutionsÂ which inspired the song and the album it is on. I selected the acoustic version for the mix

[youtube 1Dr6uTA-QKg]

2)Â Â Â Â Â âNothing Without Youâ â Carney

I am also including the obvious âThink of Youâ but I wanted to rock the mix up a bit.

[youtube x_j1Z0NkWL8]

3)Â Â Â Â Â âCar Door (Dancing In the Aisles)â â Joe Firstman

All the complexities of marriage boiled down to a single line: âIâll open up your car door every time as long as youâll reach over and unlock mineâ

[youtube BfzvJvthGZQ]

4)Â Â Â Â Â âOn Top Of The Worldâ â Matthew Perryman Jones

the beauty of this song is paralyzing

[youtube _XhFOsE0ZuA]

5)Â Â Â Â Â âMay I Suggestâ â Red Molly

an affirmative song that should be played every day, but might be particularly relevant on a day like your wedding day

[youtube 7kbvTPlYgNw]

I also have on deck, songs from Ed Sheeran, Ben Rector, NEEDTOBREATHE, A Fine Frenzy, Tony Lucca, and more!

However, suggestions are welcomed…

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 7/9-7/15

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 15:29:00 -0700

I’ve been doing a lot of writing this weekend. I canât write without listening to music, so Iâve been doing a lot of that as well. After seeing Joe Firstman Friday at WitZend play one of the best shows Iâve seen in a while (from anyone), Iâve got his entire catalog on repeat. Iâm also mixing in The Young Romanâs Tiger Child and the live EP Twin Atlantic gave out last week which has a particularly compelling acoustic version of âMake A Beast Of Myselfâ. Finally, last night, while at The Satellite to see Queen Caveat, I discovered a new band from Portland called Rags & Ribbons so Iâm absorbing and slightly obsessing over their album The Glass Masses.

Soon, however, Iâll have to switch over to The Silent Comedy to pump myself up for their show tonight at The Echoplex. I canât imagine a better way to end the weekend than a TSC dance-party.

Next week starts off strong with a show from Tony Lucca at Room 5. Weâll see how much Tonyâs popularity has increased since his showing on The Voice. My other pick of the week might have to be Saint Motelâs record release at The El Rey on Saturday. Iâm so proud of these LA locals, rising in popularity to headlining status at The El Rey! There are also several great shows at The Hotel Cafe this week including one by LMN Band Love Tournament of Hearts.

Hereâs my full calendar of recommendations:

Monday: Tony Lucca at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Lost Lander and Terraplane Sun FREE at The Satellite (10,11)
ALSO: Miracle Parade at R Bar (?)â¦be sure to check the R Bar website for the current password to get in

Tuesday: Monsters Calling Home at The Hotel Cafe (10:30)

Weds: Connie Lim and Sonia Rao at The Hotel Cafe (8,10)
ALSO: Roman Candle Wars at Los Globos (10pm)
ALSO: The Dig FREE at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)
ALSO: Andy Clockwise at King King Hollywood (8pm)

Thursday: Sara Watkins & Tom Brosseau at The Largo (8:30)
ALSO: Naia Kete and The Oâs at The Hotel Cafe (9, 11)
ALSO: London Cries at The Viper Room (11pm)

Friday: Thao with the Get Down Stay Down at California Plaza Downtown (12pm)
ALSO: Justin Hopkins and Orlando Napier at Harvelleâs (9:30)
ALSO: Brendan Hines and Golden State at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: Javier Dunn, Jesse Thomas, and The Young Romans at Room 5 (8,9,10)
ALSO: Lady Sinatra and Warner Drive at The Viper Room (10,11)
ALSO: David and Devine at On the Rox (8pm)
ALSO: Ryan Cabrera at The Key Club (10pm)

Saturday: Tournament of Hearts and Dawn McCoy at The Hotel Cafe (8, 9)
ALSO: Saint Motel with Princeton and Chasing Kings at The El Rey (8pm)â¦Saint Motel Record Release
ALSO: Carina Round at The Bootleg (10:30)
ALSO: Finish Ticket at Amplyfi (9pm)
ALSO: Purple Melon and Berlin FREE at Pershing Square (7:30)

Sunday: Tyrone Wells at Saint Rocke (8:05)

To Keep in Mind:
July 19^th: Missy Higgins and Butterfly Boucher at The Troubadour
July 25^th: Emery at The Roxy
July 25^th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
August 3^rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 10^thand 11^th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13^th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13^th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14^th: The Dunwells at The Hotel CafÃ©
August 23^rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24^th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
September 1^stÂ & 2^nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4^th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 14^th: The Hives at The Wiltern
October 1^st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11^th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19^th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
November 6^th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 7/2-7/8

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 18:55:58 -0700

Last night, The Sunset Strip kept me out a bit late, so Iâm in recovery mode today. Perfect time to prep a couple band interviews and catch up on the Olympic Trials. I am quite excited about these upcoming games. Swimming! Gymnastics!! Equestrian events (I have a soft spot for dressage)!!!

But back to the point, we have another week of excellent shows. The beginning of July means new month-long residencies by Terraplane Sun at The Satellite and The Dig at The Silverlake Lounge. Â Also, on the east side, Sunset Strip darlings, Queen Caveat, make an appearance at The Satellite on Saturday. Donât miss it!

As for the rest:

Monday: Terraplane Sun and The Steelwells FREE at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: The Janks FREE at The Bootleg (11pm)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

Tuesday: Red Circle Underground at The Roxy (7:30)
ALSO: Beachwood Piano Bar Sessions FREE at The Piano Bar featuring Dave Green (9pm)

Weds: The Dig FREE at Silverlake Lounge (11pm)

Thursday: Marie Moreshead and Barnaby Saints at The Hotel Cafe (7, 8)
ALSO: Franky Perez & The Truth and London Cries at The Viper Room (10, 11)

Friday: A House for Lions and Andy Clockwise at The Central (10, 11)
ALSO: The Young Romans and The Cordovas at WitZend (8, 9)
ALSO: Bad Rabbits at The Millenium Biltmore Hotel (9pm)â¦playing as part of the âKeeping It Classyâ adult prom

Saturday: Queen Caveat at The Satellite (10:30)
ALSO: Brett Detar, Audra Mae, Cory Branan at The Mint (9pm)
ALSO: Black Carl and The Shakers at The Viper Room (10,11)
ALSO: Jamar Rogers at The Hotel Cafe (9pm)

Sunday: The Silent Comedy at The Echoplex (7pm)

To Keep in Mind:
July 14^th: Saint Motel at The El Rey
July 15^th: Tyrone Wells at Saint Rocke
July 19^th: Missy Higgins and Butterfly Boucher at The Troubadour
July 25^th: Emery at The Roxy
July 25^th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
August 3^rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 10^thand 11^th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13^th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13^th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14^th: The Dunwells at The Hotel CafÃ©
August 23^rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The El Rey
August 24^th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
September 1^stÂ & 2^nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4^th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
September 14^th: The Hives at The Wiltern
October 1^st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11^th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19^th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy
November 6^th: Jens Lekman at Fonda Theatre

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 6/24-7/1

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 14:15:05 -0700

Currently listening to all the bands on the Warped Tour line-upâ¦trying to decide if I want to go to Venturaâs date. Iâm leaning towards yes, mostly because I want to see Dead Sara, but sadly I feel there are more bands on my âto avoidâ list than my âto check outâ list (yes, I have made lists). Regardless, Iâm putting together my calendar a day early just in caseâ¦

Plenty of good shows this week. Iâm most excited about seeing some local bands I havenât seen in a while (Lovers Drugs, The Active Set, Sabrosa Purr, NO, Standing Shadows, etc.). Â If you want to experience some great LA rock bands, itâs a good week to get out!

Here are the rest of my recommendations:

Monday: Graffiti6 at The Troubadour (9:30)
ALSO: Itâs a School Night at Bardot featuring ZZ Ward and DWNTWN (10pm)â¦FREE with RSVP http://www.itsaschoolnight.com/losangeles/
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

Tuesday: Beachwood Rockers Sessions FREE at The Piano Bar featuring The Cordovas (9pm)
ALSO: Keaton Simons at The Del Monte Speakeasy (9pm)
ALSO: Infantree record release FREE at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Lisa Marie Presley at The Roxy (8:30)

Weds: Jessie Payo and Joel Eckels at Room 5 (8,9)

Thursday: Lovers Drugs and The Active Set at The Satellite (9pm)
ALSO: Mariah McManus at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: George Stanford at Room 5 (8pm)
ALSO: Heâs My Brother, Sheâs My Sister at Saint Rocke (9pm)
ALSO: Josh Groban at Walt Disney Concert Hall (8pm)

Friday: Golden State, Kill the Complex and Sabrosa Purr at The Viper Room (9,10,11)
ALSO: NO at The Satellite (10pm)
ALSO: Sophie B. Hawkins and Sweet Talk Radio at The Hotel Cafe (7pm)
ALSO: Connie Lim and Nina Storey at WIZend (9,10)
ALSO: Adam Bones at The Redwood Bar (9:30)
ALSO: Keane at The Orpheum (8pm)
ALSO: Fiona Apple at Hollywood Palladium (7pm)

Saturday: Standing Shadows at The Roxy (9pm)
ALSO: The Watkins Family Hour at Largo (9pm)
ALSO: Matthew Jordan at Genghis Cohen (8pm)
ALSO: Buddy and Mind the Gap at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: The Mountain Goats at McCabeâs (7pm)

Sunday: Harper Blynn and Madi Diaz at The Troubadour (8:30, 9:30)
ALSO: Brendan Hines at The Bootleg (8pm)
ALSO: The Mountain Goats at McCabeâs (7pm)
ALSO: Laura Marling Ford Amphitheatre (8pm)

To Keep in Mind:
July 7^th: Queen Caveat at The Satellite
July 14^th: Saint Motel at The El Rey
July 19^th: Missy Higgins and Butterfly Boucher at The Troubadour
July 25^th: Emery at The Roxy
July 25^th: Charlotte Martin at The Hotel Cafe
August 3^rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 10^th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13^th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 13^th: Birdy at The Roxy
August 14^th: The Dunwells at The Hotel CafÃ©
August 23^rd: Civil Twilight and Morning Parade at The EL Rey
August 24^th: Truth & Salvage Co. at The Troubadour
September 1^st & 2^nd: FYF at Downtown LA
September 4^th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
October 1^st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11^th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19^th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 6/18-6/24

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 22:12:18 -0700

I posted my Bonnaroo pictures today (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.348607241875512.75890.192625794140325&type=1)! Â I canât believe itâs been a week. Iâm still recoveringâ¦and ignoring the coughing and sniffling and fact that my voice is going. Probably wasnât the best idea to follow up five days of no sleep with five days of early mornings and late nights, but I canât imagine doing anything else. I wouldnât have wanted to miss the big Phantom Planet reunion show. Then there was the Backstage Artist Lounge party where I discovered several great new bands including Cody Jasper who I just had to see play again the next day at The Roxy before he ventured back to Austin.

This week, the great shows continue. Glen Hansard (The Frames/The Swell Season) is in town to promote his new record, LMN Band Love, Crash Kings are making a somewhat rare appearance at The Troubadour, there are some solid line-ups at The Viper Room, and summer-staple, The Warped Tour is rolling through SoCal with stops this week in Pomona and Ventura.

I think, however, my show pick of the week would have to go to the ladies playing The Hotel Cafe Thursday night. Jasmine Ash, Kate Voegele, and Mariah McManus.

So many great musical options in LA this week. Here are the rest of my recommendations:

Monday: Glen Hansard FREE at Amoeba Records (6:30)
ALSO: The Rocket Boys at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Spring Standards and Rhett Miller & The Serial Lady Killers at The Troubadour (9, 10)
ALSO: Songwriters in the Round at Room 5 (9pm)

Tuesday: Keaton Simons at Room 5 (9pm)
ALSO: Beware Of Darkness, Bullet and Snow, Jamar Rogers, and Vicci Martinez at The Viper Room (8pm)
ALSO: Kate Miller Heidke at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Lisa Hannigan & Joe Henry at The El Rey Theatre (8pm)

Weds: Matthew Mayfield at The Hotel Cafe (8pm)
ALSO: Glen Hansard at The Wiltern (7pm)

Thursday: Jasmine Ash, Mariah McManus and Kate Voegele at The Hotel Cafe (9, 10)
ALSO: Vanaprasta and Crash Kings at The Troubadour (9:30, 10:30)
ALSO: The Bolts, The Rambles, and Taylor Locke & The Roughs at The Viper Room (9, 10, 11)

Friday: The Avett Brothers at Nokia LA Live (8pm)
ALSO: Connie Lim, King Washington, The Janks at WitZend (9,10,11)
ALSO: Matt Skiba & The Sekrets at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Warped Tour Pomona featuring Bayside, Dead Sara, Mayday Parade, New Found Glory, We Are the Ocean, We The Kings, Yellowcard, You Me at Six, etc. (11am)

Saturday: The Elizabeth Kill at Molly Maloneâs (10pm)
ALSO: Milo Greene at The Troubadour (10pm)
ALSO: Stonefeather at The Viper Room (9pm)
ALSO: Lemon Sun at Bootleg Bar (11pm)
ALSO: Oedipus at The Roxy (10pm)
ALSO: Mind the Gap at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: The Cult with Against Me! at Hollywood Palladium (7:30)

Sunday: Warped Tour Ventura featuring Bayside, Dead Sara, Mayday Parade, New Found Glory, We Are the Ocean, We The Kings, Yellowcard, You Me at Six, etc. (11am)

To Keep in Mind:
June 25^th: Graffiti6 at The Troubadour
June 29^th: Fiona Apple at Hollywood Palladium
July 1^st: Laura Marling at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
July 1^st: Harper Blynn and Madi Diaz at The Troubadour
July 14^th: Saint Motel at The El Rey
August 3^rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 10^th: Jack White at Shrine Auditorium
August 13^th: The Kills at The El Rey
August 14^th: The Dunwells at The Hotel Cafe
September 4^th: Gotye at The Greek Theatre
October 1^st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11^th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia
October 19^th: Tony Lucca at The Roxy

~ Kristen

Kristen's LA Concert Calendar: 6/13-6/17

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:33:52 -0700

Just got back from Tennessee. The four days spent at Bonnaroo were absolutely magical. I have many a story and I will do my best to post some words and pictures soon.Â After Bonnaroo we had a Nashville day spent eating BBQ, avoiding the erratic and intense bouts of rain, checking out a couple local venues, and of course a stop at Cafe Coco. I love Nashville!

But I love LA too and itâs good to be back home. Hereâs what Iâve got going on music-wise for the rest of the week:

Weds: Haim and Phantom Planet at The Troubadour (9,10)
ALSO: Kyle Nicolaides at Room 5 (9pm)

Thursday: Mariah McManus at The Hotel Cafe (10pm)
ALSO: Cody Jasper at The Rainbow Room (11pm)
ALSO: The Mowgliâs, Avalanche City, and Walk Off the Earth (7pm)
ALSO: Blake Mills and Phantom Planet at The Troubadour (9,10)

Friday: Cody Jasper at The Roxy (11:30)
ALSO: Jake Newton at Room 5 (10pm)
ALSO: Leslie Stevens, Ethan Gold, and Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers (9, 9:45, 10:50)
ALSO: Golden State at The Hotel Cafe (11pm)
ALSO: Unwritten Law at The Viper Room (11pm)

Saturday: So & So and Mind the Gap at The Hotel Cafe (7, 10)
ALSO: Allen Stone at The Getty Center (6pm)
ALSO: The Spring Standards and Rhett Miller & The Serial Lady Killers at Saint Rocke (9pm)
ALSO: Joel Eckles at WitZend (8:30)
ALSO: Telstar at El Cid (10pm)
ALSO: White Arrows at The Troubadour (10:30)â¦CD release party
ALSO: Thrice at Club Nokia (8pm)
ALSO: Scissor Sisters at Hollywood Palladium (8pm)
ALSO: Indigo Girls at The Wiltern (8pm)

Sunday: Jonny Polonsky FREE at The Satellite (10pm)

To Keep in Mind:
June 20^th: Glen Hansard at The Wiltern
June 21^st: Crash Kings at The Troubadour
June 22^nd: The Avett Brothers at Nokia LA Live
June 23^rd: Milo Greene at The Troubadour
June 25^th: Graffiti6 at The Troubadour
June 29^th: Fiona Apple at Hollywood Palladium
July 1^st: Laura Marling at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre
July 1^st: Harper Blynn and Madi Diaz at The Troubadour
July 14^th: Saint Motel at The El Rey
August 3^rd: Cory Chisel at The El Rey
August 13^th: The Kills at The El Rey
October 1^st: Ed Sheeran at The Wiltern
October 11^th: Awolnation and Imagine Dragons at Club Nokia

~ Kristen

Kristen's 5 Most Anticipated Acts of Bonnaroo 2012

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:14:01 -0700

The Silent Comedy

Favored sons of San Diego have come a long way in the past year or so. To see their unique brand of ground-stomping, soul-stirring Â folk rock at my favorite festivalÂ will be an unforgettable experience for sure, Â one that Iâm looking forward to more than any other at this yearâs event.

Catch them Sunday 4pm at The Great Taste Lounge and again at 6:15 at The Sonic Stage.

[youtube dnDGrJB8Nco]

2. NeedtobreatheÂ Â

One of the best shows Iâve been to this year was Needtobreathe at Club Nokia. This band from South Carolina is absolutely perfect for the Bonnaroo audience. I canât imagine anything but a tent-raising good time.

Catch them at Which Stage Friday at 2pm.

[youtube 91iXRMkmFbs]

3. The Lonely Forest

Iâve been itching to see The Lonely Forest again since their record, Arrows, came out last year. This indie rock band from Anacortes, Washington puts on a great live show. I still regret missing them at SXSW two years agoâ¦I will not let an opportunity to see The Lonely Forest pass me by again!

Catch them Thursday 5:30 at This Tent

[youtube a0fxCs7sMTs]

Â 4.Â We Are AugustinesÂ

Iâm still buzzing off the We Are Augustines set at Coachella. These boys from Brooklyn made a great impression on me out in the desert. Iâm sure they will cast a similar spell on the planes of Tenessee.

Catch them Saturday at The Great Taste Lounge at 10:40 and again on Sunday at the Sonic Stage at 2:15.

[youtube VkCyhhyWekc]

Â 5.Â St. Vincent

I love St. Vincent. Any chance I get to see Annie Clark perform, I will be front and center (well, as much front and center I can manage).

Catch them Friday 7:45 at That Tent

[youtube Itt0rALeHE8]

Other acts on my list to see:

The Avett Brothers http://www.theavettbrothers.com/us/home
Trampled by Turtles http://trampledbyturtles.com/
The Civil Wars http://thecivilwars.com/
Colin Hay http://www.colinhay.com/
Alabama Shakes http://www.alabamashakes.com/
Ben Howard http://www.benhowardmusic.co.uk/
Chappo Â http://chappomusic.com/
LP http://www.iamlp.com/splash
Katie HerzigÂ http://katieherzig.com/
Sara WatkinsÂ http://sarawatkins.com/

See you at The ‘Roo!

~ Kristen