SHOW REVIEW: Augustana

Instead of reviewing all three bands in the same entry, I'm breaking this up into three parts, in order of their performances.

Part Three: AUGUSTANA
www.augustanamusic.com

Ahh...the main act, the band I came down to Atlanta to see...Augustana. The members of this awesome band are Dan Layus (Vocals/Guitar/Piano), Justin South (Drums), Jared Palomar (Bass/Vocals), Chris Sachtleben (Lead Guitar/Mandolin/Lap Steel) and John Vincent Fredericks (Piano/Vocals).

The crowd went wild when they came on stage. They started their set with "Hey Now", from their latest album, Can't Love, Can't Hurt. It's one of my favorites so I knew this was going to be an awesome show. Some of my favorites they peformed included, "Sweet and Low", "Fire", "I'm Still Not Over You", "Sunday Best". At the end, they even threw in a Bob Dylan cover. That was cool and kinda fun, because I love Dylan.

The show had a really nice mix of performances. From rockin' out with some up tempo songs, to Dan playing the piano for incredibly beautiful acts of "Fire" and "Boston". There were even a couple times where all the guys gathered together on one side of the stage (opposite of where I was, so I'm lacking in good photos of this) in a half circle, to perform acoustically. My favorite of these was "Sunday Best". These five guys, particularly during these stripped down sets, show that they really have a lovely dynamic between them.

Overall, it was an excellent show. I had an amazing time! I think they're coming back to Atlanta again later this year. Hopefully, I'll get to make it to that one and see them again.

My one shot of the acoustic sets.

For more of my photos of Augustana, click HERE.

SHOW REVIEW: Wild Sweet Orange

Instead of reviewing all three bands in the same entry, I'm breaking this up into three parts, in order of their performances.

Part Two: WILD SWEET ORANGE
www.wildsweetmusic.com

The second performance of the night, came from a band out of Birmingham, AL called Wild Sweet Orange. The band members are Preston Lovinggood (Vocals/Guitar), Chip Kilpatrick (Drums), Taylor Shaw (Guitar), and Garrett Kelly (Bass).

These four guys energetically came on stage and consistenly kept it going throughout their entire set. Again, like with the first performer, I'd never heard of this band prior to this show. I was there to see Augustana. However, these guys had so much enthusiasm, that it was hard not to get caught up in the infectious groove of their music. They all had really good stage presence, particularly Preston. And Garrett was definitely enjoyable to watch too. He's my favorite in the band. To be fair though, I was closer to his side of the stage, so most of my photos are of him. It was hard to get good shots of Chip and Taylor.

But, like everyone else around me, I had my foot tappin', hips shakin' and neck bobbin' to just about every song. Sounds cheezy, maybe. I probably looked it too. I don't care. I had a great time, and it seemed everyone around me did too. And isn't that the point of going to shows? LOL.

Anyways, I'm gonna have to download their album as well and add them to my shuffle. If you get the chance to check them out, do so. Definitely worth the listen...

The very sexy, Garrett Kelly, on bass.

For more of my photos of Wild Sweet Orange, click HERE.

VIDEO: Five Times August - "Do It Again"

Here's the video clip of Five Times August performing "Do It Again". I shot this at the show I went to in Atlanta.

Five Times August
The Variety Playhouse | Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday, May 28, 2008

SHOW REVIEW: Five Times August

Instead of reviewing all three bands in the same entry, I'm breaking this up into three parts, in order of their performances.

Part One: FIVE TIMES AUGUST
www.fivetimesaugust.com

The first act of the evening was solo act, Brad Skistimas, who IS Five Times August. Yes. Just one guy, but a talented one at that! The handsome (ah, but married) Brad, took the stage with his guitar and a readiness to sweep me off my feet with his music. OK. That may not have been his specific intention, since he's married and I didn't meet him until after the show. But, it sure felt like it from the moment he started performing his first song of the night. Besides, a girl can dream...;-)

I have video footage of that first song, which I believe was called "Do It Again", and will post that up as soon as I can.

It was my first time hearing his music, so I wasn't familiar enough with the names of the tracks to make a mental setlist in my head. I remember there was one called "Beautiful Girls" that I also like.

Brad's voice, the lyrics of his songs, and the melodies on his guitar made for a simply incredible performance. Not to mention, he really knew how to work the crowd. He interacted well, sharing a few stories (like sharing mics with the guys from Wild Sweet Orange) in between songs, etc. He gave off and received good energy with all of us in attendance. I would definitely go see him perform again, and recommend that if he is in your area, to check him out as well. Really good stuff.

Though I'm open to alot of types of music genres, I can be rather picky about the artists I will call favorites. Of the wide variety of music I enjoy, I am really into the singer/songwriter genre... Glen Phillips, Emerson Hart, AA Bondy, and Jeff Krantz hands down. These guys are part of a present generation reminiscent of artists I grew up listening to as a child (James Taylor, Jim Croce, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan). Brad, aka Five Times August, is a fresh emerging artist who is certainly on his way to becoming a fave too.

I'm glad I got the opportunity to see him perform, discover his music, and meet him after the show. He is really nice and down-to-earth. I got a chance to talk with him a little, get an autograph, and a photo. It's obvious that he loves what he does and it's wonderful to be able to share talent, passion, and creativity in this world. Thanks, Brad!

I better go download his album and add it to my iPod....

Brad & I after the show

For more of my photos of Five Times August, click HERE.

Augustana / Five Times August / Wild Sweet Orange in ATL

The show at the Variety Playhouse was awesome! Will update with reviews, video clips, and photos soon, so please check back!

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MARK IT: Jeff Krantz in NYC - June 6

Click on an image below to see it's enlarged version.

Well everyone... It's about that time for another blog entry about Jeff Krantz and his music. :-) Hee hee. Can't help it... I've got to do my part to spread the word, and the love... for my friend, my muse, and amazing musician...Jeff.

JEFF KRANTZ
Kenny's Castaways
157 Bleecker Street, NYC
Friday, June 6, 2008
8:00 PM

So mark your calendars already!

I WISH I could be so lucky to make this event, but living in Georgia makes it a little difficult for me to get out there right now. If YOU are lucky enough to live or be in NYC that night, go see Jeff's performance! Believe me, I'd trade places between GA and NY in a heartbeat if I could, and go!

In times when it seems like music is more manufactured than not, Jeff's music is a refreshing reminder that there are still singer/songwriters out there who have not forgotten the magic of creating music that has meaning. Beyond his music, Jeff is a continual source of creative inspiration for me. I've always found it important to support that which I believe in, and Jeff's talent should without a doubt, not go unnoticed.

Please support my friend, and talented artist, Jeff, and take a listen to his exceptional music.... on his websites, or at a show, or both.

THANKS!

Spread the word...and the love...

Check out his websites for information about his upcoming European Tour too!

www.jeffkrantzmusic.com

www.myspace.com/jeffkrantz

OH MY GOD! Smashing Pumpkins to play 20th Anniversary Shows!

Official News From the Smashing Pumpkins website...

www.smashingpumpkins.com

To celebrate the band's 20th anniversary, The Smashing Pumpkins will be playing select U.S. cities in August and September of 2008.

No dates or cities have been announced but expect the band to revisit a few specific places that were missed during the last U.S. tour...

Oh, please let Athens, Atlanta, or my freakin' bedroom be on that list!