Adam Ant at the Showbox Market 09.07.2013

2013 has been a concert year that included a bunch of musicians from my childhood performing as if they had never had any lulls in their careers. I've seen The Specials, Paul McCartney, Presidents of the USA and Black Sabbath, just to name a few.

This weekend though, I had the opportunity to photograph one of my all time heroes. I have playlists of his songs on my iPod and my iPhone. I've even introduced him to my son. My 12 year old allows me to put songs on his iPod that I think he will enjoy. The Adam Ant tunes have not been removed so far.

Adam Ant.. I had to say it again. I really never thought I'd have the chance to see him perform live in 2013 let alone have the chance to actually photograph him! The opening band, Prima Donna, out of L.A. kicked things off right at 8pm. They were a great choice to open for Adam. High energy and great tunes and they had a modern take on the New Wave vibe of the 80's. Singer Kevin Preston had an interesting combination of fun intensity about him that made me really enjoy this band. I liked them to the extent that I bought myself a CD before I headed out.

I haven't been this impatient for a set change in a long time. I was in the pit as soon as they would let us in there. The band took the stage to an introduction that consisted of Tchaikovsky's '1812 Overture' and a quote by Lord Cardigan from the film The Charge of the Light Brigade.

The crowd was rowdy by now and ready for Adam. He took the stage and we were treated to 'Marrying the Gunner's Daughter' for our first song. He followed that up with 'Dog Eat Dog' and 'Beat My Guest' for the other two songs we could photograph.

We headed out of the pit during 'Kick'. I made my way to the back of the room and stood (danced) next to the soundboard for the remainder of the 29/30 song set:

Ants Invasion
Hardmentoughblokes
Stand and Deliver
Shrink
Room at the Top
Kings of the Wild Frontier
Wonderful
Whip in My Valise
Vince Taylor
Stay in the Game
Cool Zombie
Strip
Desperate but Not Serious
Cleopatra
Never Trust a Man (With Egg on His Face)
Zerox
Vive Le Rock
Antmusic
Goody Two Shoes
Car Trouble
Prince Charming

Encore:
Press Darlings
Lady/Fall In
Red Scab
Physical (You're So)

It was in the back of the room that I really got to listen to him. His voice - was - incredible. I could close my eyes and be taken right back to my room in junior high.... 'I got Marco, Merrick, Terry Lee... Gary Tibbs and yours truly. In the naughty North and in the sexy South, we're all singing and I have the mouth....'

Passion Pit at the Gibson Showroom for 107.7 The End's End Session, Seattle, WA 06.27.2012

Thankfully, I was asked to photograph the recent End Session for Seattle's 107.7 The End radio station. I wasn't familiar with Passion Pit and hadn't had the opportunity to see the Gibson Showroom before. Win win for me!

Lets start with the venue. This is a gorgeous location. The room is all set up with different Gibson equipment. I'd have to guess that it holds about 100-ish comfortably for a little intimate show. There are guitars and artwork handing on the walls and a beautiful piano when you first set foot into the venue.

Passion Pit was a wonderful surprise as well. During sound check Michael let the team know that someone needed to press a key on his keyboard so it didn't time out or he'd lose his settings. Sadie got the assignment. She dutifully sad on Michael's stool and hit a key every minute or so for about 15 minutes. 

Two of the five band members were present for the 4 song acoustic set. Vocalist/keyboard/guitar Michael Angelakos and guitarist Ian Hultquist charmed the crowd with their performance and their humor. At one point Michael completely went blank and forgot the words during 'Sleepy Head'! Thankfully he wasn't shy and asked the crowd for the next line. Listener 'Sarah' called it out and he dedicated the rest of the song to her. He said he didn't care if you had sung a song 8,000 times, you'd forget the lyrics at some point. 

You can watch a couple of the songs from the End Session at http://www.1077theend.com/VIDEO--Passion-Pit-Endsession/11684737?pid=250350

Collective Soul - Dosage Tour - Neptune Theatre - Seattle, WA 06.17.2012

This blog is nothing but biased today. Collective Soul is my all time favorite band. Hands down. They are rocking', they are positive, they can be moody, they can be sung along with and they are truly nice Southern gentlemen.

Thankfully, Mike and I met Will and Ed at their Gretch/Fender performances at NAMM in January. I hit it off with Will and we became Facebook buddies. When the tour was announced, I new that I wanted to see it, but I also wanted to shoot it. Will hooked me up with the full show for photos instead of their normal first 2 songs. He also gave me my very first Plus 1 of my own so I brought one of my girlfriends with me.

Once we got inside to set up, I saw Will and was able to visit for a few before he had to get back stage. He let me know then that I had the whole show and the name of the tour manager if there were any problems.

Last night was a unique show in that they did not have an opening band. This show was all about spending a evening with Collective Soul. The band came on stage at 8pm and let us know how the show would flow.

1. Perform the 1999 album 'Dosage' in it's entirety.
2. Take a little break
3. Come back and sing the songs we (the fans) love

I did have to laugh a little during the Dosage portion of the show. Ed apparently doesn't remember all of the lyrics. He had a music stand up there with him to be able to reference if he needed to. There was a little hiccup after the second song. Security tried to cut me off but we talked and the lead security guard found the tour manager and it was straightened out. I missed out on a couple of songs while he was verifying, but that was better than missing out on the whole rest of the show!

They took their break and it was time for some hits off of the rest of the albums including songs like Gel, Hollywood, Precious Declaration... Love, love, loved it. I had made my way to the balcony during Precious Declaration so I could be positioned for some fisheye shots from above. They exited one more time before coming back for an encore that consisted of December and ending the night with Shine.

What a great venue. I hadn't been there yet and I will definitely go back. Great restoration and a welcome addition to our historic venues.

Collective Soul Photos!

• 1. Dosage
  1. Tremble for My Beloved 
  2. Heavy 
  3. No More No Less 
  4. Needs 
  5. Slow 
  6. Run 
  7. Generate 
  8. She Said 
  9. Compliment 
  10. Not the One 
  11. Crown 
  12. Hits
  12. Welcome All Again 
  13. Better Now 
  14. Forgiveness 
  15. Gel 
  16. Hollywood 
  17. Why Pt 2 
  18. Precious Declaration 
  19. The World I Know 
  20. Encore
  20. December 
  21. Shine 

July 2011: Puddle of Mudd, Mayhem Fest, The Crying Spell, Jared Blake, MC Hammer, Sugar Ray, Joan Jett

July was a busy one! We had a show or two every single week. I'm exhausted going back and looking at all we did.

July 9, 2011: Puddle of Mudd w/ Klover Jane at 'Rockin on the River' festival, Clarkston, WA
We left home early in the morning and got to town for the show, checked in for our passes and made our way back stage to see the Klover Jane gang. POM hadn't gotten to the stage area yet for us to see Paul and meet the new guitar player, Dizzy Devereaux, and new drummer, Shannon Boone. We'll meet them later on.

Klover Jane took the stage to a crowd that wasn't familiar with them at all. Rane Stone, the lead singer had also had a cold was wasn't feeling we but he pushed through and gave the crowd a great show. By the end of their set, the crowd was chanting 'Klover Jane' repeatedly. They gained a few fans that night!

Klover Jane

Puddle of Mudd took to the stage to a crowd that had been sunning and beering themselves for hours. The venue is a golf practice field right on the river so not only did they have paying fans, but fans on the Columbia river in their boats. It was a cool location.

The band had tons of energy and we really like the new additions to the band. Wes at one point though got all tangled up in his mic cord and fell. Paul had to help keep him down with a foot while the techs got him untangled and back up on his feet. He never stopped singing though. We got to shoot the first 3 songs from the pit area and then the rest of the show from side stage. Shannon gave me some great side stage shots when he stood up on his stool.  Puddle of Mudd Photos - Clarkston, WA

 Puddle of Mudd - 'She Hates Me'

July 12, 2011: Rockstar Mayhem Festival at the White River Amphitheater, Auburn, WA

I wasn't expecting to shoot this show at all. I didn't shoot the whole thing though. I was a work when I got a call that there was a photo pass waiting for me at will call. Needless to say, I left work, headed home for my gear and made my way out to White River. 

I arrived in time to shoot Trivium, the headliners on the second stage. This was a band I wasn't familiar with, but I liked photographing them. Great stage show and they had the crowd all amped up before heading over to the main stage for Machine Head.
Trivium Photos

I really like to photograph Machine Head. They are such a different looking band. I told Mike that if he ever wanted to know what my father looked like, all he had to do was look at Robb Flynn! He is a dead ringer. I've got a great shot of Phil Demmel's hair going all over and an even better one of Adam Duce's. I'm not normally into the heavier side of metal, I'm more of a straight up rocker, but I really enjoyed them.
Machine Head Photos

OK, I've seen Megadeth several times now and I'm still not an actual fan of the music, but I'm a great fan of their shows. They put on a great one. I love, love, love taking photos of Chris Broderick. Mike works a ton with David Ellefson, but Chris is my fave. He has the greatest faces when he plays. He's playful with the crowd and just looks like he loves his life. I'm still learning how to photograph Mustaine though. It's very seldom I get a shot that shows his whole face! I finally got to meet David Ellefson after the Godsmack set. He's such a nice guy. 
Megadeth Photos

This is my second time seeing Godsmack. I find myself saying "I'm not a fan" a bunch mainly cause this isn't my personal music scene and I'm still learning about the heavier side and finding the bands I do like in the genre. Godsmack, however, isn't one of them. I do however have a thing for bass players and Robbie Merrell is a GREAT one! Both Godsmack shows I've seen were at this venue and both times, the band hid in the upstairs green rooms and didn't mingle. I haven't heard many nice comments on Sully and I would have liked to see him interact and be proved wrong. I'm a positive person and like to see the good that must be in people somewhere! Although, they could have been proven correct as well. Hmmm....
Godsmack Photos

Disturbed is my enigma band. I've seen them a few times now and I actually like some of their songs, but not live. I'm continually bored with their overall show. Mainly I'm disappointed in David Draiman, the singer. He's boring on stage. He was better this time, but not enough. Yet again though, I loved John Moyer, the bass player. More often than not, those dang bass players save the day!
Disturbed Photos

July 16, 2011: The Crying Spell at the Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland, WA

The Crying Spell is one of my favorite local Seattle bands and this venue is one of my favorite to see them play. The Center is a newer working theater. They host band nights, plays, and other things. Stadium seating makes it easy for everyone to see and it's an all ages location. I'm able to take the kiddos with me, get them seated and make my way around to shoot. This makes for a great family night.

The band is a modern take on New Wave with a Rock twist. They've coined their style Mod Wave. Their guitar player - Eric Snyder (of Second Coming, Capitol Records) - is amazingly effortless in his sound. His effects always assist in conveying the Mod sound. Len Hotram and Chase Culp (of Point One, Adrenaline Records) on lead vocals and drums respectively and Jason Phraner (of Redlightmusic w/Peter Klett of Candlebox, DMI Records)on bass. This 4-some is one of the best around town. Their past experiences have made them grow in to a collective that is hard working, professional and all around good people. Catch them anywhere you can. There are great things on the horizon for this one peeps! Check out their Reverbnation page to hear some of their music and catch a video!
The Crying Spell Photos

July 21, 2011: Jared Blake at Louie G's, Fife, WA
Louie G's is a great local all-ages venue that promotes youth bands and other local acts. On occasion though, Louie books a national act. This one was a treat! Jared Blake from Season 1 of The Voice. I loved him on the show. I was sad when it didn't make it further. Jared was doing a solo set of shows on his way back home in Nashville. He is quite the story teller during his show as well which really makes the show more of a jam session. He is someone that really needs a break. The talent is there and he is a humble man. There is no ego to be found. Just good 'ole boy meets rock 'n roll with a hint of country. Support him if you find him making a stop in your town!

July 23, 2011: The Boise Music Fest with MC Hammer, Sugar Ray and Joan Jett
Mike and I drove to Boise to attend the fest. This is a FREE festival and attracts upwards of 70K people to the Ann Morrison Park. The park is right along the river but doesn't have a ton of trees. This allows for the great sized crowd but makes it a little painful on a 90+ degree day at an all day festival. We were lucky enough to find a tree until Sugar Ray arrived and we went back to their trailer for a little air conditioning and visiting Mike's long time friends. He had worked for SR for 15 years.

It was time to go photograph MC Hammer. I'll be honest, I didn't think it would be a very good show and was more going to photography for the spectacle of it all. It was a spectacle, but it was a really great show too! Ann Morrison Park still has it - big time! The only ding on him is that he came on stage almost 15 minutes late which I will tie into the rest of the day later.
MC Hammer Photos

Next up was Sugar Ray. I just love these guys. I loved them when I didn't know them and I still love them now that I do. The are the nicest guys you could ever meet. They love their fans and have several super fans that have now become friends. Mark and the guys never disappoint on the stage either. This was the first time I'd seen them since DJ Homicide decided to concentrate on just DJ'ing. This does free up the band to do more of their harder stuff from their 'Lemonade and Brownies' and 'Floored' days. Of course they still play their hits at shows, but I love it when they throw out 'Mean Machine'. It cracks me up to see the fans that don't know they started out as a Punk/Nu Metal band. They've added a percussionist named Al Keith. He's been a friend of Rodney's for years and was a natural fit to add some flare where it had been previously provided by DJ Homicide.
Sugar Ray Photos

Last up for the night was Joan Jett. We saw her back stage on her way up to play and she is one tiny lady. Amazing so much rock comes out of that little frame! We got out to the photo pit only to find out that she was not allowing pro cameras. All I will say is that we saw why. They did allow me to go out there with my cel phone though. It has an 8meg camera so it was as good as a lot of point and clicks, but it was still disappointing not to be able to shoot with the SLR.

I'm going to stop here and do a blog dedicated to the last show of July. This is my discovery band of 2011 so far.... Out of L.A. - Le Butcherettes.

The Crying Spell at the Kirkland Performing Arts Center 01.29.2011

This is one of my absolute favorite local bands. I really like this venue for them. Being that it's all ages, the theater seats make it easy for kids to be able to see (and last through) the whole show.

Please check out The Crying Spell if you have a chance. Here are a couple of videos to get you familiar with the band and their sound!

Since October - Thanksgiving 2010

We knew that Since October was coming to town to bless us with a performance at El Corazon the night before Turkey Day. What we didn't know was if they had any time off for Thanksgiving. So we asked. Sure enough, it was an off day and they had a show on the 26th in Spokane. Not that far away. Mike asked if they'd like to join us at my Aunt's house for a home cooked meal. Needless to say, they were all for it!

So the 24th came along as we met up with the guys at El Corazon. The stage was front loaded so the guys really didn't have much room and we all know that Ben is quite the mover on stage. Add to that the famous pole on El Corazon's stage and he was like a captured animal when he was trying to move around.

I was standing on the left of the stage getting shots of Josh. He was totally entertaining me pouring water on his hair and flinging it at some girls who were a tad prissy to be up in the front.

Their performance was great, as always. This is a high energy band that always keeps the attention of their fans and makes new ones along the way.

Thanksgiving day came and we awaited their arrival in the quaint little town of Sumner. The van arrived and out came 4 rockers and their merch guy Chad. My cousin David took one look at Audie said that guy could eat a whole turkey himself. :)

They got settled inside when we got a surprise and saw that Josh had shaved his head and the long locks he was watering down just last night were gone! In it's place was a stocking cap that he wouldn't remove except the one time to show us the new do.

The guys were very happy with the spread and took a bunch of it with them when they got on the road for Spokane. Little did they know, the snow had been coming down on the pass for a few hours and they ended up having to stay in North Bend for the night as the pass had been closed for avalanche control.

I felt really bad they we may have caused them to miss their show by trying to look out for our friends and give them a good Turkey day on the road. All was good! They made it through the pass on Friday and onto the show that night.

Have a look at some of our Thanksgiving fun!

Iron & Wine - House of Blues New Orleans, November 20, 2010

Jeannie and I headed out for the Seahawks game in New Orleans on November 18th. We made our way over to the Hard Rock for dinner the first night.

The next day we started to explore the town. The main thing was to find the House of Blues. We were trying to see Supervillains and B-Foundation. I had a connection trying to get me tickets, but there was a misunderstanding.

We decided to go ahead and buy tickets to the show... but... they had canceled and we didn't realize it. What we bought was tickets to a burlesque show. We had a BLAST though! Fun misunderstanding!

My husband let us know that there were tickets for us into the Foundation Club at the House of Blues for Saturday. The contact didn't realize that B Foundation was a band but got us into the private Foundation Club at the House of Blues for the Iron & Wine show on Saturday night. The club was amazing inside. We got to watch the show from a private deck above the stage. The show was sold out and there weren't any seats on the main floor. This made us even more happy that we had the view we had.

We didn't stay for the entire show as we had planned on a night on Bourbon Street. We headed out from the House of Blues back to our hotel to change from our nice clothes into our Seahawks jerseys for our night out on Bourbon Street with the other Hawks and Saints fans. Such a great time. We got teased some, but we knew that would be coming. Since it was two girls, we weren't picked on too badly.

Hawks lose, but we had so much fun at the game and around the city, the away trip was well worth it!!!

Gorillaz - Key Arena, Seattle, Novermber 2, 2010

Gorillaz - Key Arena, Seattle, November 2, 2010

We lucked out and were able to get tickets on the day of the show. Our seats were on the floor about 15 rows back. Mike was back stage networking while I was out watching the opening band N.E.R.D.. I had heard of them, but didn't know their music. Kind of a hip-hop/pop sound. Good performers but I think they would have liked playing to a few more people. It was a late arriving crowd.

The seat to my right was empty, this was Mike's seat. A couple had sat down to my left. Our friend Lisa came out to say hi to the couple next to me and found me there too. I didn't think much of it at the time. Lisa went back stage and I got a text from Mike asking me if I knew I was sitting next to Ryan, Puddle of Mudd's drummer. I showed Ryan the text and he just smiled and said it was him. We chatted a bit between bands and Mike came and said hi to him before he had to get into position to shoot Gorillaz.

The orchestral opening introduced us to the humongous video screen that would distract me the whole show. Do I look at the videos or do I watch the band below it? Do I watch Murdoc or do I watch Damon and Clash icons Mick Jones and Paul Simonon? Too much eye candy!!!!!!

Here's a little piece of trivia...  The Gorillaz 'band' had more than 30 members and there were 111 members of the traveling stage crew.. WOW!!

The star of this tour was the the Plastic Beach CD with their previous hits in between. The first song was 'Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach' featuring Snoop Dogg. There were people arguing after the show if he was there or not. He wasn't. It was a video of him with the band playing below.

The show was AWESOME. I just love them. I was by no means disappointed with the live show. I was curious how it would be presented, but it was just fabulous.

View Mike's photos here: Gorillaz Photos

Set List:
Orchestra Intro/Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach/Last Living Souls (with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)/'19/2000'(Rosie Wilson)/Stylo (with Bobby Womack and Bootie Brown)/On Melancholy Hill/Rhinestone Eyes/Superfast Jellyfish (with De La Soul)/Tomorrow Comes Today/Empire Ants (with Yukimi Nagano)/Broken (with Hypnotic Brass Ensemble)/Dirty Harry (with Bootie Brown)/El Mariana/White Flag (with Bashy, Kano & the American.. etc)/To Binge (with Yukimi Nagano)/DARE (with Rosie Wilson)/Glitter Freeze/Punk/Plastic Beach
Encore:
Cloud of Unknowing (with Bobby Womack)/Feel Good Inc. (with De La Soul)/ Clint Eastwood (with Bashy and Kano)/ Don't Get Lost in Heaven/Demon Days

October 2010 Concerts/Shows: Slash, Alice In Chains, Lucha Vavoom and Steel Panther

Slash – Showbox SoDo, Seattle, October 2, 2010

Thank you to KISW! Mike was shooting the meet and greet before the show and I was able to watch the sound check and get my picture with Slash!!! That was sooo cool!!

The opening band, Bad City, was pretty bad alright. I was not impressed at all. I just wanted to see them get over with.

Love, love, love Slash. Myles Kennedy has a great voice and rocked the covers big time. I had a big crush on the bass player, Todd Kerns. What a cutie!!

They played about 19 songs. Great set!

‘Ghost’, ‘Mean Bone’, ‘Nightrain’, ‘Sucker Train Blues’,  ‘Back From Cali’, ‘Civil War’, ‘Rocket Queen’, ‘Doctor Alibi’, ‘We’re All Gonna Die’, ‘Do It For The Kids’, ‘Watch This’, ‘Starlight’, Slash Solo/’Godfather Theme’, ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’, ‘Rise Today’ and ‘Slither’. The encore was ‘By The Sword’, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, ‘Paradise City’.

This was a GREAT concert and I’d go again.

Alice In Chains, BlackDiamondSkye Tour - Key Arena, Seattle, October 8, 2010

Mike was at the Vancouver show on the 7^th and brought me back my all access pass so I could meet him at the Key after work. We went to the meet and greet so Mike could get some shots for the station.

Mike had a little corner of the production room to keep his equipment and I could sit out of the way waiting for the show to start. When it was time, I made my way to the side of the stage to take in the show.

First up: Mastadon

I’ve never seen them live before. Very dynamic band. They really reminded me of Jethro Tull without the flute. Super nice guys though. Brent is quite the character.

Next up: Deftones

I hadn’t seen Deftones live either. Wow… What energy. Chino jumps around that stage like he’s the Energizer Bunny! They lowered down the biggest disco ball I think I’ve ever seen during one of their ballads. I turned once to see Sean Kinney standing behind me for part of the Deftones set. I really like seeing the headlining band take in their openers.

AIC:

What’s not to love?!?

This was the second time I saw AIC live with William on lead. He really respects Layne’s memory and sings the songs beautifully. I love their new CD. It makes shows better now that it’s not only the songs with Layne being sung.

Jerry is Jerry. The AIC sound was as it should have been.  I absolutely love watching Mike Inez play bass. He is such a sweet guy and turns into some rock demon when he gets on stage. The transformation gives me chills.

The light show was spectacular! This show was being filmed in 3D for a DVD. That will be cool to say that I was there for it! If you’ve never seen Alice In Chains live, go. Even better, go in Seattle. They treat the home crowd well.

Lucha VaVoom – Showbox Market, Seattle, October 21, 2010

This isn’t a concert, but deserves a little blurb.

Lucha Vavoom is a combination of Mexican masked wrestling and burlesque dancing put to 1940’s through 60’s music. This was absolutely one of the best times I’ve had EVER.

The wrestlers were super tall, little guys and all heights in between. There were good guys, there were bad guys, there were chickens and there were dancers in between the matches. I had to buy my son a mask and myself a CD of the fabulous music.

The burlesque was really fun. My favorite was the guy that everyone thought was a girl to start with. There were many men in the room checking him out and then getting a little freaked when they realized he was not a she. Too funny.

I can’t wait for this to come back to Seattle. I think it should be at a different venue though. The ceiling was a little low for the flyers. I kept thinking they were going to hit their heads.

Steel Panther – Showbox Sodo, Seattle, October 31, 2010

LOL… Nothing could be finer than Halloween with Steel Panther. They guys were on as always. Total entertainers, musicians and showman.

The costumes in the crowd were interesting. I couldn’t believe there were actually 2 guys dressed up as the shocker.

I love being on stage to watch these guys. They just crack me up. I try to stand on Lexxi’s side. This time Jamie Nova, from Witchburn and formerly of Hells Belles, came up on stage and sang an AC/DC song with the guys.

Pain in the Grass Pre-Funk party: Aug 27, 2010 @ Studio Seven

The 2010 pre-funk featured Windowpane, Klover Jane, Post Modern Heroes & Astro-Creep. There were two other bands, but we didn't get there until after they were done performing.

This was the fist time I had seen Klover Jane with Rane Stone on lead vocals. I really liked Stefan, but I think Rane brought KJ up a level. This band is worthy of getting some good traction on an EPK.

Windowpane is just a great rock band. I like them more and more every time I see them.

PMH - Loved seeing them so hyped up to be the opening band for Pain in the Grass tomorrow!!! They were able to play early enough to get out and get home for some sleep. They have to be at White River at 8am tomorrow to get their gear front loaded for the 1pm start.

Post Modern Heroes: Pain in the Grass Pre-Funk at Studio 7

I didn't really know what to expect from Astro-Creep. This is a full costume cover band of White Zombie. What a fun band! Loved the costumes and the black light paints.

I love seeing so many great live acts in Seattle!! We are a pretty blessed area.

Post Modern Heroes and Witchburn on August 20, 2010 @ Tony Z's in Everett, WA

You will be hearing a lot from me about these bands. Both of these bands are friends of ours. We support both of them madly!!

Witchburn took the small stage and owned it! The crowd was very in to it. They travel well. People come out to see the lead singer Jamie Nova. Many of them know her as the lead for the all-girl Hell's Belles AC/DC cover band.
Witchburn is a 5-piece band with chicks on bass, lead vocs and lead guitar. They have a Sabbath type of sound. My all time favorite live picture that Mike has taken so far is of the lead guitar player Mischa. She has a head full of dreds that make her looks like Medusa on stage.

Here's a link to one of Mike's video's of Witchburn stills with the song 'Army of Voices'.

 Witchburn - Army of Voices

Post Modern Heroes - Our friend Travis Bracht (formerly of Second Coming) heads up this band. Travis is a stage mover so it really cracks me up to see him on the tiny stage at Tony Z's. There really isn't any place for him to go. Their retro Bowie sound fills the rooms and the crowd with their tunes. Their signature opening - They freeze for the first 2 minutes of 'What Would You Do' then break in to their moves.

Post Modern Heroes - 'The One'

Please make an effort to listen to both of these bands. They are very much worth it!!!

Half the World on August 9th, 2010 at El Corazon, Seattle, WA

If you haven't heard of this little gem of a metal band out of Boise, you should really get familiar with them!! I'll have a link to one of their official videos at the bottom.

Half The World are a much heavier femail lead band. The lovely Mary Magill leads this band of talented musicians. We've seen Half The World several times and have even traveled to Boise to see them in their home town.

Having them open for Karnivool in Seattle was a big treat! We didn't have to travel to far and Mike was able to shoot Karnivool! The kids and I didn't stay for the bands after Half The World though. It was a school night still. We just wanted them to be able to see Mary and the guys.

As usual, Mary didn't disappoint. She always sounds great. And the guys always sound heavy!!! Rock horns to you all!!!!!!!!!!!

Half the World - Carry My Dreams Away

Billy Idol - August 5th, 2010 at the Tulalip Casino in Marysville, WA

Billy looks amazing! He's still sexy as hell after all these years.

This was the first time Mike and I had been to the Tulalip for a concert. This was part of their summer outdoor series. They impressed me with adequate bathrooms inside and out. They had great food options and the lighting and sound were both really good.

As for Billy - He not only looked amazing, he sounded amazing. The set was a good length. Steve's guitar solo was insane. The crowd absolutely loved every single moment of the show. I caught a little bit of drum solo and most of 'Mony, Mony' on video. Click the link below!!

Setlist:
'Ready Steady Go!'
'Dancing With Myself'
'Love is Strange'
'Flesh For Fantasy'
'Scream'
'Sweet Sixteen'
'Scarred for Life'
'Kings and Queens of the Underground'
'L.A. Woman'
'King Rocker'
'Running With the Boss Sound'
'Blue Highway'
'Rebel Yell'

Encore:
'White Wedding'
'Mony Mony'

Halestorm, Adelitas Way, Since October & New Medicine - July 23rd, 2010 at the Knitting Factory in Spokane, WA

This was the only stop we had to make on our family vacation to Mt. Rushmore and back. Sorry, but I don't have any pictures or video to add to this blog :(
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We checked in to our hotel and made our way over to the venue. This was the first concert that we were taking both kids to.We ran in to Audie Grantham, drummer of Since October, outside and I got my introduction hug from him. Little did he know, the kids also had a gift for him and Ben. Mike & Ike's! Their favorite candy.

This was our first time to this venue. It looked pretty much like the Boise Knitting Factory on the inside. It has a 21+ section as well as all ages. I like venues like this. The kids and I were escorted to our own little section of the balcony where the bands can watch the bands on stage. Ryan was beyond excited to see Arejay Hale from Halestorm.

This was the first time we had seen New Medicine. They were great. They are a little punk band with Linkin Park mixed with a little Green Day. Check out their CD 'Race You To The Bottom' from Photo Finish Records. The whole CD is great. I believe iTunes has a few bonus songs that aren't on the physical CD.

Since October is just a fabulous live band. Ben's dreds a full stage usage made him a lead singer that you can't take your eyes off of. Luke flicked a pick up to me in the balcony. How did he know I have a pick collection. I will see them play anytime they are in the Pacific NW! :)

Adelitas Way was much better than the first time I saw them earlier in the year. I absolutely love watching the guitar player Creighton Bibbs. He's my favorite part of the band. The singer doesn't do much for me. Nice voice but just kinda blah on stage.

Halestorm, as always, is just the absolute best. There isn't one thing about that band that ever disappoints. Lzzy's vocals, Joe's guitar, Josh's bass and Arejay's drumming are always, always amazing. I couldn't wait for the kids to see Arejay's drum solo for the first time. The kids mouths dropped when they saw Arejay start to drum with his baseball bat sized sticks. Arejay's drum tech (his dad Roger) came over and tossed up drum sticks for myself and the kids. It was a really fun night. One I'm sure the kids will remember for a long time.

The Dirty Heads & Sublime with Rome - July 7th @ Marymore Park in Remond, WA

Luckily, we know the Dirty Heads so we were set up to shoot them. Yes 'we'. This time, I got a photo pass as well. I found it facinating that we were the only photographers there! For Sublime??? And Dirty Heads at the time had a #1 song on Billboard!! Oh well, the venue was a sell out and both bands were just amazing!

We were able to meet the tour manager for both bands and got full access to both shows. Back stage, on stage and around the crowd. 

I was happy to see that a lot of the crowd new The Dirty Heads music. They are still pretty new on the scene. They are a blend of beach, ska, hip-hop and punk. Jared and Duddy are share vocals and Duddy is the lead guitar. At one point, Jared started to giggle and pointed out 3 girls who were at the back of the dance floor hula-hooping. He asked them to come on stage an hoop during their song 'Lay Me Down'. That was so fun!

When Sublime took the stage, the crowd erupted. Rome is not Bradley, but he has his own style and respects what Bradley did. I absolutely loved seeing them play.

If you have the chance to see either of these bands play, please do. You will have a great time letting go and having an absolute blast. You may also get a contact high - There was plenty of that in the air that night!

107.7 The End - Broken Bells End Session at Hard Rock Cafe, Seattle, WA

Luck was on my side this day. I hopped on to Facebook for a quick look at posts and saw this:

Hard Rock Cafe Seattle Official Page We have 2 spots for the super exclusive acoustic End Session with Broken Bells today at 3:00pm at the Hard Rock before their sold out show at the Showbox tonight! Post a comment here about your favorite concert you've ever gone to. Winner will be chosen randomly at 12:30pm and must be able to be at HRC Seattle by 3:00pm today!

I decided I would give it a shot since I only work 4 block from the cafe. My entry was:

Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg - Snoqualmie Casino 2010. A legend behind the drums and nothing but energy from Michale Graves, Clare B and Alex Kane. 31 songs in about 70 minutes. I was in punk rock heaven.

And at 12:51 I got the message from the Hard Rock that I was one of the lucky 2.

I made my way to the cafe and checked in. Got my nice little The End 107.7 laminate and headed in to grab a seat. The ones right in front were already gone, so I headed to the side of the stage. Not a bad location at all. I had my little point and click that I keep in my purse so I was ready for photo ops and maybe a little video.

Out come Broken Bells - James Mercer and Danger Mouse. James waves to the crowd and they open with their hit 'The High Road'. No one is using flash photography so I tried to get pics but my little camera wasn't good in that light. I decided to tape the second song 'Citizen'. I didn't realize what was to come and I didn't tape the next song. I had been to a show like this for their sister station The Mountain so I guessed they would play for about 40 minutes or so. I had time to tape another one after this song.

 I was wrong. They played 3 songs and left. Never once addressing the crowd. Didn't stay to sign autographs for the 30 people that made the effort to come and see them. I was glad that I only walked 4 blocks instead of driving in from Lynnwood, Issaquah, Tacoma - Who know where everyone came from to see it. 

It was totally strange. People didn't know if they should leave or wait.. Just strange.