


January 2009 – Amy Ray
Amy Ray blew through the Los Angeles area for a two live
shows promoting her new solo CD 'Didn’t It Feel Kinder'.
The first show was at the Glass House in Pomona, CA
(1/27/09). Opening for Ray was the band Arizona, a very
talented band (a band from Tennessee). They provided a
strong and entertaining set despite a small crowd turnout.
Apparently going out on a Tuesday night in Pomona is
way too trying for the college set there. Their loss. Both
Ray and Arizona kicked ass and everyone in attendance
had fun.
The second show was at L.A.’s famous Troubadour. L.A.
(1/28/09) made up for the poor showing in Pomona. There
was a wall to wall crowd in attendance and both Arizona and
Amy Ray did not disappoint. Ray’s set was solid, highlighting
her new release and many of her past hits. The place rocked!
The fans in attendance had a special treat when Brandi
Carlile came on stage to jam with Ray. Carlile was in town
recording and took a little break to have some fun with Ray
on stage. Needless to say, a good time was had by all who
were in attendance.










May 5/14/09 Indigo Girls at the El Rey
I got to see the Indigo Girls at the El Rey in Los Angeles. Performing to a packed audience, the Girls provided an incredible two hour set, highlighting their latest release ‘Poseidon and the Bitter Pill’ and providing all their crowd pleasing hits to boot. The Girls always provide a quality show and the bottom line is everyone had fun which is what music is all about.
|
May 5/12/09 Michelle Malone at Hotel Cafe
Michelle Malone came to Los Angeles and performed
an awesome set at the Hotel Café. Malone is another
indie secret. Why this girl isn’t selling out larger venues
all by herself is a freakin mystery to me. She kicks ass
and takes names. Promoting her new release ‘Debris,’
Malone whipped up the growing crowd with new songs
and old favorites. Unfortunately, the Hotel Café
management is pretty inflexible with granting set
extensions and Malone’s set ended way too soon. If
Malone comes to your town, get off yer ass and go
see this artist! If you like your rock with a side of
blues and a pinch of southern hospitality - Michelle
Malone is your dish! My only question remains,
Michelle when are ya comin back to L.A.?
June 5th, 09 - Brandi Carlile at Anthology San Diego.
Technically Brandi Carlile is not an indie artist, but she has an indie
heart and even as a main stream artist she is still not getting enough
media attention. Carlile has been touring for months now and I got to
see her at the Anthology in San Diego. As always, Carlile and the twins
- Tim and Phil Hanseroth gave a great acoustic show consisting of past
favorites, great covers and one or two soon-to-be released songs. The
intimate setting allowed Carlile to feel comfortable sharing personal
stories and observations which was a nice touch for her fans. This girl
is a must see in concert and her music will warm your heart.
Anthology was a great venue for a Brandi Carlile concert. It’s a 3-tier
dinner house with an elevated stage equipped with a large plasma
monitor. This setting provides an intimate atmosphere to dine and enjoy
the entertainment. Word to the wise, bring money because the meals
are pricey. My only other compliant regarding the venue is they run a
tight schedule. There are two shows per night and the management
wastes no time pushing you out the back door while hustling in the late
show attendees. Personally – it’s a buzz kill. This venue charges plenty
for their main show tickets and their dinners. I didn’t appreciate feeling
like cattle when exiting.
October 17th, 09, Brandi Carlile at the Wiltern
Brandi Carlile made one more stop in the Los Angeles area
promoting her newly released third CD, ‘Give Up The Ghost’.
Carlile and the twins played the Wiltern theatre in Los Angeles
and I must say it was certainly a treat. The Wiltern is a classic
gem – with its incredible carved wood interior and its great
acoustics. Carlile took the opportunity to test out the acoustics
by singing a capella with the twins. I have watched Carlile do
this in almost every venue, but it was pure magic at the Wiltern.
It was a great show. Carlile is an artist that keeps getting better
and stronger with every tour. I strongly suggest taking the time
to check her out. She will be in California in 2010 on the
second leg of the Ghost tour. She will be playing the House of
Blues in Anaheim and San Diego.
October 24th ’09, Catie Curtis at McCabe’s, Santa Monica
After ten years of listening to Curtis, I never got an opportunity to see
her live. But my luck finally changed in 2009 when I scored tickets to
her show at McCabe’s. Curtis put on a lovely and lively show in the
intimate setting of McCabe’s. If the chairs were a little more
comfortable, it would have reminded me of my living room. As a
folk artist Curtis connects with her audience both in song and in
her little stories of life lived in her small town. She performed many
fan favorites (including one of my favorites). Her show was endearing
and personal and I would recommend Curtis to anyone who enjoys a
mellow yet playful night of folk music.
Photo by Jeremy Cowart From BrandiCarlile.com
|
Photo by Jeremy Cowart From BrandiCarlile.com
|