Calvin Johnson at 285 Kent

Musical and Tai Chi visionary Calvin Johnson may be the personification of the phrase "calling him understated would be an understatement". He nearly as much speaks to you as sings, and his humor is so dry that I think they had to hydrate a couple of people who passed out. Yet his performance displays subtle conviction. He is like a preacher who is not preaching a sermon but rather counseling a parishioner. There is much to be gained by listening to what he has to say.

Posted: 8/11/2012 at 12:35am     Tags: 285 Kent  acoustic  Calvin Johnson  Tai Chi Master 

Hungry March Band at Brooklyn Bowl

You have probably heard this band before. They seem to play every outdoor festival and block party. Even if you have managed to resist being drawn in by their catchy tunes you may have been swept into a dance, or conga line, or fairy ring, by one of the majorettes. Definitely one of those "instant party" brass bands. Probably why they get all those festival and block party gigs. I believe this is the first time I have ever seen them indoors!

Posted: 8/7/2012 at 4:11pm     Tags: Brooklyn Bowl  Hungry March Band 

A Place To Bury Strangers at Music Hall of Williamsburg

This show was the biggest pain in the ass yet. For one thing lighting came entirely from four projectors and two strobes. For another the mosh pit started about two feet behind me and ended up about two feet in front of me. It was surely worth it to hear the beautiful sonic attack of A Place To Bury Strangers. Less of the physical attacking next time would be nice though. 18+ shows tend to be that way. At least I didn't get as messed up as that amp!

Posted: 7/28/2012 at 2:16am     Tags: A Place To Bury Strangers  Music Hall of Williamsburg  ow  strobes 

Dum Dum Girls at House Of Vans

Boy they really turned the lighting up for Dum Dum Girls, didn't they? This was just an awesome show in every way... except for the video guys who kept getting their heads in my shots (grrrr!)

Posted: 7/22/2012 at 4:36pm     Tags: Dum Dum Girls  House Of Vans  Vans Classic Series 

Widowspeak at House Of Vans

Widowspeak have added a member since the last time I caught them live. They do sound good as a four piece, though they did not play this gig with their regular drummer (who I see is explicitly described as "African American" on Wikipedia, perhaps because you can't tell from the photo of the band on Wikipedia?) While for the most part these guys just stand there and play, guitarist Robert Thomas really took advantage of the huge stage, possibly to train for the New York City marathon?

Posted: 7/22/2012 at 2:17pm     Tags: House Of Vans  Vans Classic Series  Widowspeak