Photos from a glorious morning where the frost gave way to dew as the sun poked above the horizon. And then returned to frost as a cloud passed in front of the sun. And back and forth the struggle between warmth and cold.
28 November 2008
As winter draws out fall's breath
At the edge of fall and winter, of ice and water...
Photos from a glorious morning where the frost gave way to dew as the sun poked above the horizon. And then returned to frost as a cloud passed in front of the sun. And back and forth the struggle between warmth and cold.
Photos from a glorious morning where the frost gave way to dew as the sun poked above the horizon. And then returned to frost as a cloud passed in front of the sun. And back and forth the struggle between warmth and cold.
11 November 2008
Stellastarr*, Wakey!Wakey!, Barking Spiders (Johnny Brenda's, November 10)
Work brought me to Philadelphia on a Monday in November, perfectly set up for a concert afterwards at my favorite Philly venue, Johnny Brenda's.
Wakey!Wakey!, whom I had previously seen at Rockwood Music Hall, opened. Lead singer Mike Grubbs belts out his vocals with a rare passion and a unique flair for the dramatic. It is not inaccurate that on the band's myspace page Mike's band roles are listed as piano, vocals, and Mojo. Wakey!Wakey! definitely delivers an energetic show, worth seeing if you haven't (and worth seeing again if you have). Unfortunately for me, my brain has decided that his voice and style (including the piano) make him Dennis DeYoung, and I can't wait for him to belt out "Lady" and "Come Sail Away." He definitely could pull off a Styx cover band if the original music scene further deteriorates...
Barking Spiders played second and delivered the fastest and most intense and most guitar-heavy performance of the evening. Decidedly different than either the preceding or following act, and definitely worth catching again.
Stellastarr* was obviously the main attraction for the crowd (including me). One reason I love Johnny Brenda's is the intimacy of the venue and the fact that nearly everyone has a great view of the band on either the floor or the (short) balcony level. In my case, I was 3 feet from Amanda Tannen, which was a good way to catch Stellastarr*. And Stellastarr* delivered, with a mix of older songs with a couple of new ones in a strong performance (though they left their keyboardist in Brooklyn, and thus skipped "Lost in Time" (sadly)). Unfortunately, the crowd was terrible tonight. Just a couple of people dancing, a lot of people standing around passionless, in general people were not particularly into the band, and the show wasn't sold out. A bad performance by the Philly crowd definitely detracted from what could have been an absolutely stella' evening of music (pun intended). I would have adored this performance with a New York crowd. Alas.
Wakey!Wakey!, whom I had previously seen at Rockwood Music Hall, opened. Lead singer Mike Grubbs belts out his vocals with a rare passion and a unique flair for the dramatic. It is not inaccurate that on the band's myspace page Mike's band roles are listed as piano, vocals, and Mojo. Wakey!Wakey! definitely delivers an energetic show, worth seeing if you haven't (and worth seeing again if you have). Unfortunately for me, my brain has decided that his voice and style (including the piano) make him Dennis DeYoung, and I can't wait for him to belt out "Lady" and "Come Sail Away." He definitely could pull off a Styx cover band if the original music scene further deteriorates...
Barking Spiders played second and delivered the fastest and most intense and most guitar-heavy performance of the evening. Decidedly different than either the preceding or following act, and definitely worth catching again.
Stellastarr* was obviously the main attraction for the crowd (including me). One reason I love Johnny Brenda's is the intimacy of the venue and the fact that nearly everyone has a great view of the band on either the floor or the (short) balcony level. In my case, I was 3 feet from Amanda Tannen, which was a good way to catch Stellastarr*. And Stellastarr* delivered, with a mix of older songs with a couple of new ones in a strong performance (though they left their keyboardist in Brooklyn, and thus skipped "Lost in Time" (sadly)). Unfortunately, the crowd was terrible tonight. Just a couple of people dancing, a lot of people standing around passionless, in general people were not particularly into the band, and the show wasn't sold out. A bad performance by the Philly crowd definitely detracted from what could have been an absolutely stella' evening of music (pun intended). I would have adored this performance with a New York crowd. Alas.
08 November 2008
Why I Love New York: Impromptu Music Performances (Peter Himmelman)
One of my favorite things about New York is the city's ability to surprise you. Musical surprises being among my favorites. Tonight's example: after a stimulating Varsity Letters reading series event featuring Drew Magary, Buzz Bissinger, and Dan Steinberg, walking down Rivington and being surprised to find Peter Himmelman playing to a small, enthusiastic crowd on the street.
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