Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Oct 5th - Oct 11th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Monday, Oct 6th: Bully at The Roxy. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2021, I covered the band for Buzzbands, which you can read here. 

Thursday, Oct 9th: unpolished* at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.
You can read my Song Spotlight review for "nobody knows" here. 

Thursday, Oct 9th: Dengue Fever at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2017, I covered the band when they played Music Tastes Good festival in Long Beach, which you can read here.

Thursday, Oct 9th: Jordan Gruver at Nico's. Doors at 8 p.m.

Made my 2024 list of "favorite new to me, but maybe not to you" list. You can read that list here.

Thursday, Oct 9th: Will Brahm at Scribble, Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my recent Club Tee Gee set review here. 

Friday, Oct 10th: Escape Artist Lovers at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

In 2024, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. 

Saturday, Oct 11th: Broken Baby at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

In 2023, I covered the band for Buzzbands when they played the Happy Sundays Festival, which you can read here. 

Saturday, Oct 11th: RJ Bloke at Frogtown Brewery. Set time at 6 p.m.

You can read about my review of his set at the Bigtop Bandstand earlier this year here.

Song Spotlight: Orion Sisters' What We Had (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Orion Sisters are a trio of sisters (Bethany, Lindsay, and Natalie Baker). The singer-songwriter trio all have guitar duties, which made for a tight onstage fit during their WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. Who is the leader of the pack? It appears that Natalie takes on primary lead vocal duties though Bethany often did lead-in duties. Interestingly, the two of them speak Mandarin (you can watch an Instagram reel here). Based on the fact that Lindsay doesn't speak Mandarin, I'm guessing she's the eldest (assuming the opportunity to learn the language came up after she aged out of making it easy to learn a foreign language). 

Orion Sisters at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: Terminal A's American Friend (a night at Zebulon)

Terminal A opened up the night at Zebulon to usher in the celebration of Self Improvement's album release party for Syndrome (you can read that post here). The band consists of Colin Peterson on vocals and Lee Busch on guitar. Peterson spent half the set jumping into the audience, disappearing from sight underneath the low lights of the venue and then randomly popping back up on stage. At times, he could be seen crawling across the floor as the audience made room for him. It helped that he used a wireless microphone. While Peterson was out in the crowd, Busch took his stance in the middle of the stage, legs spread in an aggressive manner that allowed him to rock forward as he pounced on his strings. 

Terminal A at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Marcus Buser's Right Man (a night at The Goldfish)

In a certain way, I was introduced to Marcus Buser via Chelsea Rose. I've seen Buser twice and perhaps each encounter would have happened anyways. The first time was last year at Club Tee Gee when Surprise Baby was on the bill, as well. There's a high probably I would have checked out his set at the time. How does Chelsea Rose fit into this? I've followed her career for a number of years starting with Summer Twins, which that encounter dates back to 2012. When it comes to the singer-songwriter genre, we seem to have similar tastes and so we cross paths every so often. Often times, Buser is with her so I'm just making the assumption that they're dating. So yeah, I first crossed paths with him in early 2024, but I feel like I've seen him around the Los Angeles music scene for years. 

Marcus Buser at The Goldfish

Song Spotlight: Adrian Bourgeois' Nothing Can Hurt Me (a night at Harvard & Stone)

Adrian Bourgeois took the opening slot at Harvard & Stone during a Swyndle night. Here's how I ended up catching his set. For those who've read my blog, you know I'm on this commitment to reduce how many nights a week I go out to catch live music as compared to last year. A big reason for this is because I'm focusing more on this blog site. I already had my week planned out and then I happened to notice that Wymn was playing a set on this particular Swyndle night. I hadn't seen them play for a few years so I was thinking I would do a quick drop by -- target 9:15 p.m. I got curious and decided to briefly check out the Instagram pages of everyone playing this particular night. When I clicked on Adrian Bourgeois' Instagram page, I noticed that he follows me on Instagram. From what I could tell from scanning my archives, I'd never seen him perform. What did I conclude? He's kind enough to follow me on Instagram, I should check out his music.

Adrian Bourgeois at Harvard & Stone

Song Spotlight: Austin Manuel's Twenty Hundred Miles Away

Austin Manuel via his AM Presents Music is back at Club Tee Gee booking shows. Previously, he booked Sundays and Mondays. At the moment, he's only booking Mondays. Who knows, maybe he'll start booking Sundays at some point though he is busy running Healing Force Records. Back in 2023 when he was booking Club Tee Gee, I came across some new artists (to me) that quickly became favorites: Adriana McCassim, Sarah Julia (from the Netherlands), and Gold Star (a band I should have run across way before 2023). 

Austin Manuel at Club Tee Gee

Review: I finally returned to Old Towne Pub

Even before the pandemic, Old Towne Pub was never part of my venue rotation, but I did occasionally head over there. The last time I was there was in Nov 2019 when a band called Peg Leg Love asked if I'd check out their set. When I made up my list of favorite "new to me, but maybe not to you" 2024 list, I added that a 2025 music goal was to head over to Old Towne Pub (if you are interested, you can see that 2024 list here). 

I finally got to checkmark that 2025 goal off the goals list in early August -- yeah, it took longer to fulfill that goal than I thought it would. I happened to notice that Crisis Actor was playing and that it was also an early Sunday show (that helped with the decision making). I believe I got home before 9 p.m.

Psychoactive at Old Towne Pub

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Sep 28th - Oct 4th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Sunday, Sep 28th: Blue Wistaria at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.
The band appears to have gone a slight name change from WistEria to WistAria. Read my Song Spotlight for "Members Only" here.

Wednesday, Oct 1st: Laveda at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

In 2023, I covered the band for US Rocker Music. You can read my review here.

Thursday, Oct 2nd: Gottlieb at The Smell. Doors at 8:30 p.m.

They made my list of favorite new 2024 bands.  You can see that list here. 

Friday, Oct 3rd: Host Family at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Dromedary" here.

Friday, Oct 3rd: Sophia James at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6:30 p.m.

She made my list of favorite new 2022 bands / artists.

Saturday, Oct 4th: Lily Waters at The Smell. Doors at 8:30 p.m.

I've followed her since 2017.

Song Spotlight: WYMN's Catching Flies (a night at Harvard & Stone)

In April 2022, I got invited to catch WYMN at El Cid. They played with an interestingly named band called Ghetto Garden. At some point, Ghetto Garden changed their name to TELAH! (the explanation point being part of their band name). I caught up with TELAH! at Echo Park Rising 2024 and I remember thinking the band members looked familiar. 

WYMN at Harvard & Stone

Song Spotlight: Suzy Clue's Uneasy (a night at The Echo)

Suzy Clue came up onto The Echo stage sporting a metal fashion statement. Someone in the crowd greeted her with a, "We love your music." This might have taken her back just a touch as she paused and then responded with, "I love you." I say that it took her back a touch, because even though she dialed the sexuality up to a 10 in her performance, I thought she had a rather modest opinion of herself as a singer. As an example, during the early part of the set, she asked everyone, "Does anyone remember my name?"  

Suzy Clue at The Echo

Song Spotlight: Rozwell Kid's Kangaroo Pocket (a night at El Cid)

Rozwell Kid did double duty at El Cid on a recent August night. Not only were they Colleen Green's opening band, but they were also her backing band. You can read my review of her set here. I was unfamiliar with Rozwell Kid, but there were people in the crowd who were singing along throughout the band's set. Though Colleen Green was the headliner, I would think that Rozwell Kid also helped fill up the venue. 

Rozwell Kid at El Cid

Song Spotlight: KennyHoopla's hollywood sucks// (a night at The Echo)

The editor of US Rocker Music sent me a request from KennyHoopla's PR firm, seeing if we were interested in covering an upcoming set at The Echo. You can read my review of the set here.

Prior to saying yes, I took a listen to his music as I'd never heard of KennyHoopla (for his fans, don't kill me). I loved the pop-punk genre that had influences of Blink-182 (this comparison comes from the fact that Blink-182's drummer Travis Barker has worked with him). 

KennyHoopla at The Echo

Song Spotlight: Ashley Elle's Save Us (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Ashley Elle was the opening act at WFNM's showcase at Hotel Ziggy. It might seem a little unusual, but she was in a pressure situation. The venue was packed by tween girls who were out in force to support their favorite Kyra Fields. The tweens were all packed at the front of the stage while her own fans were pushed to the rear of the venue. 

Ashley Elle at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: Milly's Drip From The Fountain (a night at Zebulon)

Sept 7th, 2019. That was a brilliant day of music and was the first time I came across Milly (the band is fronted by Brendan Dyer who arrived in Los Angeles via Connecticut). It started off by heading to La Tierra de La Culebra Park where I caught a midday set by Gracie Gray -- one of my favorites. Then that night it was off to The House of Machines -- talk about a venue that I miss just as much as The Satellite. That night was a stunning line-up that included GLAARE (unfortunately, broke up in 2022), Spare Parts for Broken Hearts, Tennis System (appear to have wiped their social media), and Milly. 

Milly at Zebulon

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Sep 21st - Sep 27th

A Handful of Show Alerts

Monday, Sep 22nd: Hannah Hughes at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

She used to be part of Julez and The Rollerz. In 2023, I covered the band for US Rocker Music (when she was with the band), which you can read here.

Monday, Sep 22nd: Rocco DeLuca at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my review of a recent set here.

Wednesday, Sep 24th: unpolished* at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m. 

You can read my Song Spotlight review for "nobody knows" here. 

Friday, Sep 26th: Jesika Von Rabbit at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight review for her "Psychic Spice" here. 

Friday, Sep 26th: J.R. Slayer at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

In 2024, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. 

Saturday, Sep 27th: Cinnamon at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m. 

A suggestion that was provided by Buzzbands.

Saturday, Sep 27th: Double Wish at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2021, the band played, I believe, the first live music show ever at The Goldfish. I covered the night for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Saturday, Sep 27th: Haze Fest at Non Plus Ultra. The festival includes Izzy Outerspace and Soft Palms. Doors at 7 p.m. 

You can read my recent review of an Izzy Outerspace set here.

You can read my Song Spotlight for Soft Palms' "Rainbows" here.

Song Spotlight: Bennett Woolsey's Tightrope (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

Bennett Woolsey took to the stage at the WFNM  showcase at Hotel Ziggy. A couple years had passed since I last saw one of his sets. That 2023 set was also at Hotel Ziggy and playing that night was former American Idol Maryjo. Anyways, the two are tight friends with Woolsey recently releasing "Used To You" that features Maryjo. 

Bennett Woolsey at Hotel Ziggy

Rewind the Clock: whenyoung in 2019

Rewinding the clock to a band that I only saw once, but their music videos still pop up on my Youtube page, because the algorithms know I love their music.

The band whenyoung came through Los Angeles in early 2019 where I got to see them at School Night. The trio was coming from London and included Niall Burns on guitar, Andrew Flood on drums, Aoife Power on bass and vocals. They being from the UK, this night at School Night was the only time I ever caught a set. I remember being blown away by their The Cranberries sounds. I wrote the following at the time: 

"Their tunes just have this addicting quality to it. And I just can't get enough of their lead vocalist and how she just stretches certain words for just a split second longer than might be seen as normal, but it creates a uniqueness to their sound."  

whenyoung at School Night

Review: Dave Harrington and opener Nicole McCabe fill Zebulon with artistic sounds

Dave Harrington, Zebulon, and Secret Fires LA collaborated on a 3 Sunday residency during July. I always appreciate how Zebulon will explore what I call the more artsy side of music. I was only able to attend the last residency night, but I know that for each night Harrington had a different line-up of musicians supporting him. For the last night of the residency, his band was a quartet that included Kosta Galanopoulos on drums, Robert Walter on organ keys, and Spencer Zahn on bass. Harrington himself was on guitar and synths. I call his sound art music, because I'm not sure how else to describe it. I wouldn't say that the jazz label fits. 

Dave Harrington at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Nova Twin's Piranha (a night at Zebulon)

I was uncertain what I wanted to do on a recent Wednesday night. I was thinking that there was Nova Twins at Zebulon and then there were other live events going on around Los Angeles. I'll be honest, I was leaning towards heading off to another venue, but without a solid conviction either way. Sometimes there is an unexpected intervention that changes everything. On Monday night, the US Rocker Music editor forwarded me an email request by Nova Twin's PR team, asking if we wanted to cover their set. 

Nova Twins at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Tashaki Miyaki's Somethin' Is Better Than Nothin' (a night at Zebulon)

I mentioned in my recent Song Spotlight of Tashaki Miyaki's "City" that it had been awhile since I last saw the band. You can read my write-up here. I can't say that this time around. I've seen the band 3 times in an 8 month period with the most recent time occurring once again at Zebulon. I wrote in that "City" article that my history with the band started in 2012. What I didn't discuss was that my history with drummer and lead singer Paige Stark goes back an additional year to 2011 when she was with the band Stone Darling. At Zebulon, I had a conversation with someone about this and that the drummer from Stone Darling went on do some high profile work. For some reason I couldn't recall the drummer's name, but with the quick help of the Internet: the drummer was Liv Marsico (currently know as Phem) who recently opened for Avril Lavingne. 

Tashaki Miyaki at Zebulon

Song Spotlight: Small Crush's You Suck (a night at The Roxy)

Small Crush spent April as Chase Petra's tour mate. Unfortunately, the last two dates in San Francisco and Los Angeles were cancelled. That just meant that the dates were made up in July with the Los Angeles date being held at The Roxy. Lucky for me, I got a photo pass and was able to cover the show for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. 

Small Crush at The Roxy

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Sep 14th - Sep 20th

A Handful of Show Alerts 

Sunday, Sep 14th: Primitive Ring at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
In 2024, I covered the band for this blog site, which you can read here.

Sunday, Sep 14th: The What Four at The Echo. Doors at 5 p.m.

I covered the band earlier this year for this blog site, which you can read here.

Sunday, Sep 14th: Young Lovers at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2024, I covered the band for this blog site, which you can read here. 

Tuesday, Sep 16th: Milly at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2024, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Sep 17th: Devon Ross at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight of "All the Things" here.

Thursday, Sep 18th: Anna Thoresen at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

You can read my song spotlight of "Dear Soulmate" here.

Friday, Sep 19th: Moon Fuzz at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight review for "Hell Week" here.

Saturday, Sep 20th: Gottlieb at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

They made my list of favorite new 2024 bands.  You can see that list here. 

Two Movies seen on TCM: Gentleman's Agreement (1947) and To Hell and Back (1955)

I've been hooked on TCM for years now. I just always remember being a fan of Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, James (Jimmy) Steward, John Wayne, and many many more. Around a decade ago, I used to do some reviews of movies I saw on TCM. I figured I'd start it up again. If you're interested, click on through.

Song Spotlight: Cheridomingo's Drugs (a night at The Roxy)

Cheridomingo recently opened up for Chase Petra at The Roxy. I reviewed the night for US Rocker Music. You can read the review here. Cheridomingo is one of those bands that I saw for the first time via online sets during 2020. I caught the band playing two online sets for WFNM. I got to catch the band live at the No Earbuds Fest in Pomona that I also covered for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. What do I remember most about their festival set? The fact that there was a very enthusiastic fan up front for their set. One of her friends said out loud, "She paid $50 just to catch one band."  

Cheridomingo at The Roxy

You can read my official review of their set at US Rocker Music, but I will say that there were some loud cheers when the drummer took off his shirt. Also, screams were ignited when a brief kiss was shared between two of the band members. I do have to say I found it amusing how the band did a countdown for their last three songs. "We have three songs left . . . .we have two songs left . . . this is our last song." 

Cheridomingo at The Roxy

Though I've seen both Chase Petra and Cheridomingo live, I've never seen them on the same bill together; however, both bands mentioned that they've played together a number of times. 

After Chase Petra finished up their set, I took a stroll past Cheridomingo's merch table. Someone was at their table, mentioning that they were from Pomona. Lead singer Anthony Avina immediately started to quiz the individual about their knowledge of the various music venues in the city. I found that just a touch amusing. 

Cheridomingo at The Roxy

The song spotlight has to go to "Drugs," which got the loudest response from the audience and just so happens to be their most played song on Spotify. It has a Nirvana like quality to it, which includes Avina's vocals. Perhaps a song that explores those first few weeks of a new romance (or maybe a relationship that is too obsessive and will result in a future break-up as the other side of the equation finds it restrictive).

I'll live my life just for us
So you're the only one I'll miss when I-I'm gone

Setlist: Like a Chain, Peace of Mind, Disconnect, Life Is Good, New Song (untitled), Limerence, Drugs, Murphy. 

Review: a lighthearted set by The Freebies at Harvard & Stone

I like to rotate around venues and a bit of time had passed (3 months) since I last checked out a Swyndle night at Harvard & Stone. Off I went to make up for not hanging out at Harvard & Stone for awhile and I came across a band called The Freebies that has been around for a couple of years. While writing up these blog posts, I dig around the Internet looking for little tidbits about a band and honestly I couldn't find much about this band, which sort of indicated to me that they like to keep it low key. 

The Freebies at Harvard & Stone

Song Spotlight: Chase Petra's A Bug's Life (a night at The Roxy)

I recently covered Chase Petra at The Roxy for US Rocker Music. If interested, you can read the review here. It was their home coming show to celebrate the release of their sophomore album Lullabies for Dogs.

Chase Petra at The Roxy

Song Spotlight: Buckets' Judy (a night at The Semi-Tropic)

I caught Buckets for the first time in 2021 once venues started to open up after the 2020 shutdown. They were part of an outdoor mini-festival called Big Top DIY Fest that was held in someone's backyard in Highland Park. It represented my fifth time catching live music once again (there were technically some other events that I attended during the shutdown, but those were relatively small groups of people that were producing streaming content and I was the photographer).

Buckets at The Semi-Tropic

Song Spotlight: Go Betty Go's Fuzzy (a night at The Echo)

It was off to The Echo to cover The Dollyrots and Go Betty Go for US Rocker Music. You can read my review here. This was, I would say surprisingly, only my second time catching Go Betty Go live. Interestingly, the line-up this time around was very similar to that first time around. I caught the band in 2017 at The Hi Hat and they were opening up for  The Dollyrots. Also, playing that 2017 night was The Two Tens. The Two Tens did not play The Echo show, but member Adam Bones has a new band called The Manic Standstill that did play The Echo (he has also played with Go Betty Go in the past).

Go Betty Go at The Echo with former band mate Emily Wynne-Hughes 

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Sep 7th - Sep 13th

A Handful (Bucket Full) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Sep 7th: Dagger Polyester at The Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 9:30 p.m.

In 2023, I covered the band for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Sunday, Sep 7th: Moonfuzz at Supply and Demand. Doors at 2 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight review for "Hell Week" here.

Sunday, Sep 7th: UGHH at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

I just covered their Happy Sundays Festival set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. 

Monday, Sep 8th: Harry the Nightgown at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

The band is fronted by Sami Perez who plays in various bands such as Cherry Glazerr and SadGirl. I covered a 2024 SadGirl set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. 

Monday, Sep 8th: Madison Cunningham at Club Tee Gee. Doors at 8 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight review for "All I've Ever Known" here. 

Tuesday, Sep 9th: Host Family at Zebulon. This is the return of School Night. Doors at 6:45 p.m.

You can read my Song Spotlight review for "Dromedary" here.

Wednesday, Sep 10th: Child Seat at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 9 p.m.

In 2024, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Sep 19th: Goon and Draag at The Echo. Doors at 7 p.m.

In 2023, I covered both bands for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Sep 10th: Small Forward (record release party) and Sharon Silva at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2022, I covered Sharon Silva for Buzzbands, which you can read here. 

In 2019, I covered Small Forward for Buzzbands during Echo Park Rising. You can find a photo of the band here. 

Thursday, Sep 11th: Shamon Cassette at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 8 p.m.

In 2024, I covered the band for US Rocker Music during Happy Sundays Festival, which you can read here.

Friday, Sep 12th: Death Valley Girls at Alex's Bar. Doors at 8 p.m. 

In 2024, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. 

Friday, Sep 12th: The Little Miss at Sassafras Saloon. Doors at 8 p.m.

One of my all time favorite country singers who unfortunately moved to San Diego a few years back, but is back in town for this set.

Saturday, Sep 13th: Cursive at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.

This year, I covered the band for US Rocker Music, which you can read here. 

Song Spotlight: Iress' Shamed (a night at Bar Flores during Echo Park Rising)

Two of the bands that I was focused on catching at Echo Park Rising was Iress and Slugs at Bar Flores. I was one of the official photographers for Echo Park Rising so unfortunately I wasn't able to catch the full Iress set as there was another band to photograph, but the handful of songs I did catch were a thrill. 

Iress at Bar Flores

Song Spotlight: The Dollyrots' Get On This Ride (a night at The Echo)

I believe the first time I came across The Dollyrots was at the now closed The Lava Lounge on January 27th, 2007. I was part of the Kiss or Kill scene though I arrived towards the tail end of it. In 2012, a documentary was made of the scene, which you can see the trailer for here. When I came onto the scene, everyone would mention The Dollyrots. Eventually, I asked, who are The Dollyrots. I was told they were one of the biggest bands in the Kiss or Kill scene, but were constantly on tour so they didn't get the chance to play Kiss or Kill that often. I finally got to catch them and the night has always stuck with me. It wasn't a Kiss or Kill night, but it was a night filled with Kiss or Kill fans. I still remember guitarist Luis Cabezas leaping off the stage and right at me. Who can forget something like that. Oh mercy, I was sold on the band from that point onwards. 

The Dollyrots at The Echo

Song Spotlight: Valley Queen's Ride (a night at The Semi-Tropic during Echo Park Rising)

When it comes to Echo Park Rising, I call Friday night the pre-party night and I spent the whole time hanging out at The Semi-Tropic. When it came to the actual day of the festival, Saturday, I focused my attention elsewhere until 9 p.m. when I just had to pop in to catch a handful of songs from Valley Queen. 

Valley Queen at The Semi-Tropic

Song Spotlight: Spacehog's In the Meantime (a night at The Regent Theater)

Whenever I do band Q&As, I sometimes ask the following question: Would you rather be a 1 hit wonder known all around the world -OR- have a steady underground following?  And then of course, why the choice? 

In late June, I got the opportunity to catch Spacehog and EMF co-head at The Regent Theater. You can read my US Rocker Music review here. For good or bad, both bands are seen as one hit wonders. Spacehog has "In the Meantime" while EMF has "Unbelievable." Per Spotify, "In the Meantime" has been streamed nearly 136 million times. "Unbelievable" has been streamed 129 million times. I do believe that both songs were also their debut singles.   

Spacehog at The Regent Theater

Song Spotlight: MACKandgold's Chasing Down (a night at The Semi-Tropic)

MACKandgold (the moniker for Mackenzie Graham) closed out the Echo Park Rising Friday pre-party at The Semi-Tropic. With her funky beats, it was the perfect way to end the night. Her fanbase was pressed close to the stage. That very crowd is what makes the band's set so precious to attend. Their enthusiasm for her music is unmatched in the Los Angeles music scene. She'll give the fan base a look and you'll hear them singing back "I'm Your Dog" or any other catchy lyric. 

MACKandgold at The Semi-Tropic

Addendum Review of EMF at The Regent Theater

EMF played the The Regent Theater in late June. I got an invite from their PR firm in late May. I waited a couple weeks and then was like, "Oh wait, let's see if I can get a photo pass." It worked out and it was a fun night -- other than afterwards when my car ran into mechanical issues while driving home. I shot the night for US Rocker Music and you can read my review here. 

EMF at The Regent Theater

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Aug 31st - Sep 6th

A Handful of Show Alerts 

Monday, Sep 1st: Addie Addie Addie at Harvard & Stone. Doors at 8 p.m.

My favorite new find at this year's Echo Park Rising.

Tuesday, Sep 2nd: Tremours at The Goldfish. Doors at 8 p.m.

Earlier this year, I covered their record release party, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Sep 3rd: Slowpoke at Gold-Diggers. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Tiki Dream" here.

Thursday, Sep 4th: Giselle at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Skeletons" here.

Friday, Sep 5th: Mini Trees at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2023, I covered their set for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Saturday, Sep 6th: North by North at Supply and Demand. Doors at 8 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Bad Vibes" here.

Song Spotlight: Addie Addie Addie's Industry (an afternoon at P.F. Candle Co. during Echo Park Rising)

For the second year in a row, I was one of the official photographers of Echo Park Rising. I decided I would try to hit up as many venues as possible while still photographing some of my favorite bands. One of the smaller venues was P.F. Candle Co. They only had three bands playing, all one after the other. That meant I had a very tight window to photograph the venue. I decided I was going to photograph the first artist up: Addie Addie Addie (the moniker for Addie Weyrich).

Addie Addie Addie at P.F. Candle Co

Song Spotlight: Band of Skulls' Sweet Sour (a night at the Troubadour)

A PR person I've worked with for over a decade happened to mention to me that she could get me into the Troubadour to shoot Band of Skulls. I have to admit that I did not know who Band of Skulls was. When provided the offer, I did a look at the Troubadour calendar and noticed that the show was sold out. That indicated something to me. I was a go for sure. I was actually probably a go anyways even if I didn't notice that it was sold out, because I don't get the opportunity to shoot the Troubadour that often. 

Band of Skulls at the Troubadour

Song Spotlight: The Blushes' Celebrity Sex Cult Party (a night at The Semi-Tropic)

Echo Park Rising 2025 was such a blast. For those in the know, there was a pre-party that occurred on Friday night at The Semi-Tropic and Sticky Rice. I decided to just stick around The Semi-Tropic the whole night, because the line-up was filled with band that I love, but don't get to see on a regular basis. One of those bands was The Blushes. They're a trio that includes Lori Dorfman on guitar, Katie Jayne Earl-Hogan on drums, and Katy Rose (on bass). For long time LA music fans who are unaware, Katie Jayne Earl-Hogan is in the The Mowgli's. 

The Blushes at The Semi-Tropic

Song Spotlight: Shoe Shopping's Glowering (a night at The Goldfish)

Shoe Shopping is fronted by Tiffany Lin and have an art nouveau approach to punk rock. Her bio has this to say about her background, "is an interdisciplinary artist working at the cross section of graphic narrative, social practice, and performance. Her varied projects parse through social conventions at odds with the natural world, utilizing drawing to investigate topics as austere as US Census data to doom metal inspired teeth people." What is doom metal inspired teeth people? I have no clue. 

Shoe Shopping at The Goldfish

Review: Kyra Fields has a Breakout Moment at Hotel Ziggy

Maybe once or twice a year, I show up to a venue and I'm shocked by how many people are already packed inside -- before any of the artists have hit the stage. (To clarify, I'm talking about it being totally unanticipated on my part versus showing up to a venue that is packed early because the artist is a known draw.) That happened on a recent WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy. I showed up and the place was filled with polite, and yet, eager tweens with their parents in tow. I was totally taken aback. What showcase artist is bringing out all these tweens? I started to think through the artists playing and I had to settle on Kyra Fields. This was my third time at a WFNM showcase where Kyra Fields was playing a set. I could not recall seeing so many young people hanging out with eager anticipation during the prior two shows. This had me thinking: I'm catching a breakout moment. 

Kyra Fields at Hotel Ziggy

Song Spotlight: Chemical Therapy's East Los Luv (a night at Gold-Diggers)

I came across Chemical Therapy at Gold-Diggers, playing a Swyndle night event. The band started out in Charleston under the name Heyrocco. The members eventually moved out to Los Angeles and underwent a name change to Chemical Therapy. The band wasn't totally new to me (though I didn't figure that out until I started doing my band research for this post). I came across lead singer Nathan Merli briefly during another Swyndle night at Harvard & Stone when he did a cameo during a Bruvvy set. 

Chemical Therapy at Gold-Diggers

Notes from Vivace Show Alerts (Los Angeles): Aug 24th - Aug 30th

A Handful (Bucketful) of Show Alerts

Sunday, Aug 24th: Day 2 of Happy Sundays Long Beach.

Sunday, Aug 24th: Jesika Von Rabbit and Dream Phases at Zebulon. Doors at 7 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight for Jesika Von Rabbit's "Psychic Spice" here. 

In 2021, Dream Phases was part of Happy Sundays Long Beach. I covered for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Sunday, Aug 24th: Rose's Pawn Shop at The Echo. Doors at 5 p.m.
In 2024, I covered their set for US Rocker Music, which you can read here.

Wednesday, Aug 27th: Sagittaire at Zebulon. Doors at 8 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight for "Hi, It's Caroline" here.

Thursday, Aug 28th: Annie Jets at the Redwood Bar. Doors at 8 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight for "Avalanche" here.

Thursday, Aug 28th: Kat French at Bar Lubitsch. Doors at 7 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight for "Casket" here.

Friday, Aug 29th: Blue Wisteria at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 8 p.m.
Read my Song Spotlight for "Members Only" here.

Friday, Aug 29th: SWIMM at the Moroccan Lounge. Doors at 6:30 p.m.
In 2023, I covered their set for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Saturday, Aug 30th: Kate Clover at the Levitt Pavilion. Doors at 7 p.m.
In 2022, I covered her set for Buzzbands, which you can read here.

Saturday, Aug 30th: March Adstrum and Valley Porno People at Non Plus Ultra. Doors at 8 p.m.
Read my March Adstrum Song Spotlight for "Relics from Phantoms" here.
Valley Porno People made my list of favorite 2024 bands. You can read that list here.

Saturday, Aug 30th: Moonily at Permanent Records Roadhouse. Doors at 6 p.m.

Read my Song Spotlight for "Evil Eye" here.

Song Spotlight: Slugs' Super Sane (an evening at Bar Flores during Echo Park Rising)

Though I've photographed Echo Park Rising for years now, even I still come across something totally unexpected. Last year I shot a band or two at Bar Flores and they were using their indoor bar as the stage. Part of me was wondering why bands such as Slugs (solo set by lead singer Marissa Longstreet) and Iress were playing such a small stage. I was thinking about how rude I was going to be, having to squeeze my way to the front of the stage to take some photos. My excuse would be that I needed to get to the front of the stage as I was shooting for the festival. I did not have to worry about that, because the stage was not inside the bar. There were signs that pointed ever so upwards until I got to a large open parking lot that part of me thinks is actually connected with a separate building. As I made my way up to the stage, a most amusing encounter happened. A young woman looked me straight in the eye and so I briefly stopped to listen to her complaint, "Do you know I just spent $30 on nachos? I've never spent that much." I looked at her and responded, "That is a lot." What can I say, that does sound laughably high. 

Slugs at Bar Flores