by Meredith Schneider | Feb 5, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Through almost 15 years of intricate, involved lyricism – the crazy involved titles of the early days, the lineup rotations, the bevy of music videos and the expansion of Brendon’s vocal range – we’ve held on to our deep appreciation for Panic! @ The Disco. So to be asked to photograph Brendon Urie and his team of bandits at Sprint Center on Saturday night, there was zero hesitation. The performance itself was the most involved we’ve ever witnessed from the musical project, Urie’s energy palpable from the first jump out from the hole in the middle of the stage, to his last round of bows and high fives with the audience. The man absolutely thrives off of this life, and you can tell.
What, perhaps, is most notable about his show when comparing it to his performances of yesteryear – think ten years back – is that they have, somehow, become even more theatrical. That was what was so outstanding about Panic! @ The Disco when they emerged on the scene about 14 years ago, they existed as a beacon for the outcasts. The theatre kids, the gamers, the anti-socialites. And now here he is, all this time later, continuing to provide that entertaining escape for other generations, and leveling up with each step. (Just ask whoever he hired as his vocal coach in the past ten years, if you don’t believe us.)
In fact, he even took a moment during his set to bless an unborn child “in the state of Panic” which, to his credit, is a clever saying to have up his sleeve. (Or up his bare arm, depending on if he decides to keep his shirt on or not.)
Either way, here are some fun photos from the inclusive and beautiful evening.
by Meredith Schneider | Dec 12, 2018 | snapshot, visual
The Moth and The Flame entertained the masses at 96.5 The Buzz’s annual The Night The Buzz Stole Xmas event at the Midland in Kansas City on December 4th. We nabbed some photos so you can feel like you were a part of the festivities too!
by Meredith Schneider | Nov 28, 2018 | snapshot, visual
The day after Thanksgiving was pretty thrilling, as it saw Swedish producer Kasbo and his cohorts entering city limits to play The Truman. We were thrilled by the lineup – which included Vancouver Sleep Clinic and Longer Days – as the night dissolved into a chaotic blur shortly after he took the stage. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Keep up with Kasbo here.
by Chad Bennett | Nov 1, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Austin rockers The Schisms delighted the crowd at The Brick in Kansas City on October 27th. Along with Cortége, they’re in the middle of a 15-show tour, “It Came from Austin.”
Check out The Schisms here: https://www.facebook.com/theschismsatx/
by Christie McMenamin | Oct 25, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Phenomenal songwriter Butch Walker headlined a show at Irving Plaza in New York fairly recently, captivating the crowd as he has for years. The energy coming off the stage was palpable as soon as he stepped on, and we were regaled with a gorgeous evening full of amazing showmanship. Photographer Christie McMenamin captured that for us, and it can be witnessed below.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 25, 2018 | snapshot, visual
On October 17th, the stylish powerhouse CYN opened for Years & Years at The Truman in Kansas City, MO. We nabbed a few key shots to make you feel like you were there, front row, enjoying her thrilling live set.
Keep up with CYN here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 17, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Saturday, October 13th was a bit of a bummer for us. Sure, the sun was out and the weather was crisp and we were witnessing Minus The Bear‘s live stage show for the umpteenth time. But the reality of it was that we were seeing them for the last time, as they travel across the country on their farewell tour. We managed to capture the warmth and vibrance of their set the way they’ve captured our hearts.
by Christie McMenamin | Oct 15, 2018 | show review, snapshot, visual
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Greg Holden made his return to New York City on September 23rd. Opening for Butch Walker, who produced his single, “On The Run,” Holden’s performance was like a homecoming. It’s a rare thing for an opener, especially one singularly armed with an acoustic guitar, to hush Irving Plaza from front to back, but Holden managed to wield this uncanny power with effortless ability.
When Holden first emerged from the side of the stage, the crowd’s vigorous, impassioned applause was astonishing. He strolled out with an unassuming, quiet confidence and began strumming as the audience quickly fell silent. As his 7-song set kicked off, Holden was oftentimes chatty between songs, lending an affable familiarity with a room of people whom he’d never met, treating them like valued friends. Constantly encouraging the crowd to sing and clap during parts of his songs, Holden’s set was interactive, a joint, group effort.
On “Home,” Holden issued a command for the audience to stop their feet in time to the beat. In turn, he received an eager assent as the stomps echoed throughout the venue and shook the floor. Holden’s newest track, “The Power Shift,” was prefaced by a quick lament, noting Donald Trump was currently in the city. The audience loudly booed, prompting Holden to launch into this political song, calling others to recognize the link between power and inequality, and one that was more than well-received in New York City.
“Boys In The Streets,” arguably Holden’s most moving song, showcases his lyrical prowess, one that is omnipresent throughout his work. Telling the story of a father struggling with his son’s sexuality, it’s only on his deathbed that he makes a confession: his intolerance was due to what he was taught growing up. He finally understands and encourages his son to be himself. Holden’s live performance evoked the pathos and pain of both son and father, and cheers went through the crowd as Holden reached the uplifting conclusion.
Lastly, Holden performed “Hold On Tight,” a triumphant, empowering song that bursts into a big, gleeful chorus as he sang an urgent warning: “don’t take your life for granted.”
It was an awe-inspiring set from a seasoned musician, one who will no doubt be back to New York City in the future.
by ImperfectFifth | Sep 20, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Day 3 at Grandoozy 2018 was a helluva time, chock full of insanely talented artists and fun games in the park. Nikki nabbed some highlights from some of the later shows, including Kelela, Mavis Staples, Stevie Wonder, The Chainsmokers, and St. Vincent. Take a peek below!
**Photos by Nikki A. Rae Photography
