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