The Bootleg Theater: Jamie Drake residency

Jamie Drake is the March residency artist at the Bootleg Theater. There were a couple unique twists on this night. Blankets were laid out on the floor of the Bootleg Theater and many of those who came to catch the night of music sat on them. A handful of free popcorn bags were given out as well as free beer (which I wonder if the Bootleg Theater approved of that one). Also, the music was largely done in music rounds, which I haven't seen in awhile. The theme was singing around a camp fire.

Those joining the night were Robbie Fulks, Courtney Hartman, Zach Lupetin and Justine Bennett.

After sets by Jamie Drake and Robbie Fulks (who gave some amusing thoughts on life in North Carolina), all the musicians went on stage for three music rounds. 

Best Robbie Fulks story: He recently went to his 30th high school reunion. He recommended not going to your 30th high school reunion, because life can take a toll on folks. But he came across an individual who hardly looked like he'd aged. Talking with the guy, he found out that the individual had spent the last 30 years living with his parents, smoking week and doing occasional painting jobs for money. He couldn't help but wonder if that was the way one should live their life.

Best Justine Bennett story: Justine is close friends with Jamie Drake. She told a story about how a venue did some internet searches for a night that she was headlining. The venue wanted to create a poster. Unfortunately, they selected a photo of Jamie Drake.

The Satellite: The Absurd

The Absurd is the residency band at The Satellite. If you like a bit of irreverence when catching a band, you'll love this band. Their whole set started off with them stating that they were the Oil Barons and that no one should stick around for the next band up, The Absurd. The Oil Barons was the band coming up next.

This band brought some traditional rock sounds to The Satellite. 

The Satellite: The Gooms with Egg Drop Soup and It's Butter

It was the final residency night for The Gooms.

I couldn't help but notice that the music progressively got more aggressive.

It's Butter opened up with a jazz set.

It's Butter

The Gooms went on with some garage rock.

The Gooms

Egg Drop Soup ended the night with their punk rock sounds.

Egg Drop Soup

Highland Park Bowl: Sam Marine

I got an invite to catch Sam Marine at Highland Park Bowl. I had previously caught him at Echo Park Rising. I headed over and he was going on stage just as I walked in. It was a 30 minute rock set that thrilled due to his awesome vocals.

The Satellite: The Gooms with Emma Cole and Slugs

The Gooms might actually be the only February Monday residency band I catch. The start of the month was just real busy. If this is the only band I catch, it was a good pick. This band had the crowd pumped throughout.

The Gooms

Emma Cole tossed out her always solid vocals.

Emma Cole

Slugs did more of an acoustic set for the night.

Slugs

The Hi Hat: Jesse Jo Stark with Kate Clover and Minke

It was a solid line-up at The Hi Hat. Kate Clover opened things up. She's been off working new music outside of her band ExSage. You could tell she was having fun on stage. Playing to the photographers. Tossing beer around. Talking to fans after the set.

Kate Clover

Minke tuned things in with some singer-songwriter songs. It took a couple songs before the sound guy was able to get things set up properly for her, but after he got the sound right, we all got to enjoy her magic.

Minke

Jesse Jo Stark (along with Kate Clover) is one of my favorite musicians out there. Her songs are filled with dynamic power. And I have to say, I love how her fingers move with the motion of her music.

Jesse Jo Stark

Bootleg Theater: Justus Proffit, Janelane, Ryan Pollie and Nylon Smile

There was a chill vibe for Justus Proffit's last residency night.

Justus Proffit

For me, the main reason to head out was Janelane. What wonderful vocals. One funny thing that happened was that her electric guitar lost power due it not being plugged in tight.

Janelane

Ryan Pollie and Nylon Smile (can't find a link) opened up the night. In fact, it is possible that most folks came out to catch Ryan Pollie's opening set. Nylon Smile came on next with their lead singer off to the side, which had me thinking those chill vibes.

Ryan Pollie

Justus of Justus Proffit did double duty on this night. He played drums for Nylon Smile and then fronted his own band. While giving shout outs to the bands, he hesitated giving a shout out to Nylon Smile as that would seem like praising himself.

Nylon Smile

The Echoplex: Jen Awad Residency

The Jen Awad residency night had a little for everyone. You could tell by the fact that individuals and photographers showed up for very specific performances.

Cassandra Violet and Sarah Ault and the Super Natural gave us some music tunes that seemed inspired by old western musicals.

Cassandra Violet

Sarah Ault and the Super Natural

Polartropica brought a little Asian inspired rock.

Polartropica

Jen Awad just blew down the Echoplex with her energy. And one couldn't help but notice how she made sure her friends always stood as close to the stage as possible.

Jen Awad

Disco Shrine ended the night with a midnight dance show.

Disco Shrine

The Satellite: Herbert Bail Orchestra with Sophia Knapp

Herbert Bail Orchestra was the residency band at The Satellite for the month of January. This folk rock band just knocked it out of the park. I remember growing up hating the accordion. This band (along with a handful of other bands that I've seen use the accordion) is changing my mind about this instrument.

Herbert Bail Orchestra

Sophia Knapp opened up the night with a singer-songwriter set.

Sophia Knapp

The Satellite: Ever So Android, Tarah Who?, The Gutter Daisies, Niantic

It was a night of some punk rock.

Ever So Android and Tarah Who? really showed how it was down. Ever so Android goes with a touch of romance while on stage. Tarah Who? was totally new to me. They slammed some drums. They were loud. They reminded me of my Kiss or Kill years.

Ever So Android

Tarah Who?

The Gutter Daisies and Niantic also played the night. The Gutter Daisies know how to stage a show. I only caught perhaps half of Niantic's set. They seemed to be having fun, which is always a good thing.

The Gutter Daisies

Niantic

The Hi Hat: LA Girlfriend and Jagged Baptist Club

I previously saw LA Girlfriend at Make Music Pasadena in 2016. Two years later and she still kicks up a good show.

LA Girlfriend

Jagged Baptist Club was a totally new band for me. From what I gather, they recently went through a name change and this was only their second show under the new name. They really put on a rocking good set.

Jagged Baptist Club

The Satellite: DREAMER with Polartropica and MADUS

You know it will be a good night when you walk in early at The Satellite and the front of the stage is already staked out by fans. MADUS opened the night rocking. Polartropica gave some Asian infused pop. DREAMERS was the reason the fans came out and they gave a one hour set to reward those fans. To end the night, half the crowd jumped up on stage to celebrate the night.

MADUS

Polartropica

DREAMER

Bootleg Theater: Karmic, Kinney, Mikey Mike

It was a Sunstock Music Festival Reunion night at the Bootleg Theater. Karmic was doing their shortened residency (due to the holidays). Opening up was Kinney. Playing with Kinney was Skylar, who runs Sunstock.

Karmic

Kinney

In the middle was rapper Mikey Mike who put on one fun set. There was even a wheel of fortune. Well, not good fortune. The winner ended up drinking from a shoe. Yuck.

Mikey Mike