Siren Fest + Liars

EDIT: Feast your eyes on the sassy 'Sup writeup: part 1 and part 2.

Okay! So I finally gone through all my photos, and there are A LOT. I put some teaser-like shots on the Flickr ---so small sets there--- because the bulk of the pics should be on Sup Mag.

Siren Music Fest!
Stephen Malkmus!
Liars!
Andrew W.K. approves! The McCarren show was solid gold all around. I think the Santogold at SummerStage drew away some potential crowd. (It's their loss.)

(Photo nerds: If you go to my Flickr, you will see that I had too much fun with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM.)

Double Punch of Siren and Liars Weekend

The Aftermath:

I was double-fisting it for Siren, with two cameras slung about the shoulders: Canon 30D with a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and a 40D with a 70-200mm f/2.8 IS. After 9 hours of not eating, running back and forth between the two stages, bearing heavy gear, I was completely drained. Seriously. On the long F train ride back home, I kept praying that someone would leave their seat so I can rest my achy legs. I had noticeable welts from the book bag straps chafing my arms throughout the day.

And today! Mustering up what energy I had after a deserving 9 hour coma, I made my way into Brooklyn again. Liars, Fuck Buttons, Team Robespierre show at McCarren! Definitely not as tough as running about and shooting 12 bands (I skipped Broken Social Scene and Helio Sequence). The show was another testament to live performances-- all the bands won me over and I am giving them all second listens (and further re-listens).

Anyway, now to sort through a gazillion images.

A Hawk and a Hacksaw at (le) poisson rouge

I've been meaning to catch AHAAH for a while. This being the 5th consecutive concert in 5 days, I decided to take it easy tonight. Of course, I still have to snap a picture or two. This blog is turning into a concert scrapbook, because after 150, I start to forget where I've been.

Le poisson rouge is a lovely (and new!) space. The lighting was intricate, the sound remarkable. The performance space felt incredibly intimate with its low stage and tables. With the blood red walls and chic furniture, the venue felt upscale, yet warm and, as I've said, intimate.

Spotted in the audience: basically all of Beirut. Makes sense.

No Age at South Street Seaport

EDIT: 'Sup feature here. More photos!

Ahhh, one of the few times I wish I could jump from the press pit into the mosh pit. Well, almost. The last time I saw No Age was at a basement performance space at Columbia, where Randy climbed dangerously high up the side of a stairwell. Knowing how high-energy the band is, I was eager to see and photograph them at the Seaport. Taken for 'Sup Mag.There were many photographers clogging the stage at first, taking up those precious spaces between the monitors for clear shots. I noticed after a few minutes that there were a lot less photogs. I turn around, see other photographers snapping away at the raging crowd.Full set at Flickr.

Opening was Telepathe, whose trippy layered vocals brought to mind nineties dream pop.

The first opener was "tropical punk" band Abe Vigoda.

The Vaselines at Southpaw

I was pretty afraid of being disappointed tonight, I admit. After all, the Vaselines broke up so long ago (...when I was 1 or so) and haven't been back together aside from a handful of appearances. Nevertheless, I was extremely psyched when I heard back in May about their two NYC dates before the Sub Pop 20th Anniversary Festival.

They didn't disappoint. They were as sassy, cute and funny as I expected them to be. It was a friendly, intimate atmosphere, with a little bit of Q&A during the banter. ("What is 'Molly's Lips' about if it isn't about oral sex?" asked an audience member.) It was also somewhat surprising how their voices sounded the same as they did on the records. Another pleasant surprise was Stevie, Bobby and Richard guesting as the backing band.

Now, I've been to many concerts so far in my short concert-going career, but this gig felt historic. The Vaselines aren't getting back together and aren't touring --- this was pretty much one-off. For instance, above. The larger sheet of paper is the set list with notes on the left margin detailing which guitar Eugene to use ("red" or "black"). The smaller sheet lists the order of verses for "You Think You're A Man" (how many times Frances or Eugene sings the chorus, and in which order). The band haven't played these songs in a while, and probably won't for a very long time.

East River Music Project at East River Amphitheater

There was sunshine:There was rain:
Poor Titus Andronicus was rained out. How tragic!
But eventually, the showers passed.
Full set here.

The Futureheads at Bowery Ballroom

It was my first time seeing the Sunderland foursome. Their energetic live set left a much, much better impression on me than the hurried listen to their newest record, This is Not the World, prior to the gig. They were fun to photograph --really energetic. However, I'm not too pleased with the set (here), considering my mental tally of missed moments. (Ah, what I'd give for a barricade sometimes.)

So yea, short set. Tonight wasn't an assignment, but an impromptu decision to toss the Canon into my purse. I have to say-- it's hard for me to really get into taking photos from GA when there's a bouncy crowd, and especially when I'm in the concert-going mood rather than the serious, move-out-of-my-way! assignment mode.

East River Music Project at East River Amphitheater

Some of you may know that I'm involved with the East River Music Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to putting together free shows at an awesome venue and showcasing (generally) local acts (read mission statement here).

Here are pictures for the season opener today:
Soiled Mattress and the Springs, which I previously saw/shot at a WBAR concert (see here).

Audience participation during Lucky Dragons, who took part in this year's Whitney Biennial and who curated today's show. You wave rocks over this thing, and it has a theremin deal going on.

Animental, a pretty rad band from Brooklyn.

Lexie Mountain Boys, who are four ladies.

John Wiese also played a set, which I caught just enough to get a sense of what he's about (noise) but not quite enough to get my camera all ready. David Horvitz opened.

The Presets at Bowery Ballroom

It was my third time seeing these guys, and as a result, I am liking "Apocalypso" a little bit more now. (A testament to seeing live shows!) Take a listen at their myspace.









Taken for 'Sup Magazine. There will be an interview and online feature coming up, so these pics are sneak peeks of sort. (Once again, I seriously love this zine, affiliated or not.)

More on Flickr.

Walter Meego at Bowery Ballroom

Walter Meego opened for the Presets.
I've never seen a knob-twiddling, behind-the-table DJ-type "groove" and sweat so much.
Taken for 'Sup Magazine. (I seriously love this zine.)
Full set at Flickr.