On December 10th, talented sister duo Larkin Poe took the stage (by quite some force) at The Garage at Knuckleheads Saloon. We got there early, and were still hard-pressed to find a seat anywhere but along the back wall. Serves us right, for thinking a band so in-demand wouldn’t have an early arriving crowd! Photos below.
Having been flummoxed by the talent of Chvrches for years now, it was our incredible pleasure to head out to see them headline The Night The Buzz Stole Xmas this year in Kansas City. Those gorgeous, lightweight vocals, that insane energy that could give anyone life… the night was absolute perfection. Photographer Meredith Schneider shares her point of view below.
P.S. You’ll notice even in the imperfections, there are rainbows everywhere. We cannot tout this live show enough.
On October 27th, the indelible Garbage regaled a full house at Kings Theater in New York City. Our wonderful friend and glorious photographer Christie McMenamin was there to nab some highlights for you.
Keep up with Garbage here.
**Please send all of your positive thoughts to Christie as she is going through a bit of a rough time health-wise, hence why some of her photo sets are going up a bit belated.
Everyone’s new favorite supergroup is Boygenius, the (no less than) GENIUS collaboration between incredible songstresses Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. We were lucky enough to have photographer Christie McMenamin on the ground for their show at Brooklyn Steel on November 7th. Peep those photos below!
Keep up with Boygenius here.
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/
On October 20th, Kansas City’s 96.5 The Buzz hosted Brew at The Zoo & Wine Too at The Kansas City Zoo. This year, thousands from across the metropolitan area gathered to taste test wine new brews, enjoy full pours from more than 45 breweries, try out a mixed drink or two, enjoy live music and a night of frivolity, all in the name of the giraffes. Kitten headlined, with Fitness supporting while onlookers enjoyed a spirited, enigmatic performance from each.
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.
On October 17th, The Truman in Kansas City, MO welcomed the incredible Years & Years to the stage, following an absolutely gorgeous set from opener CYN. We nabbed photos of both to make you feel like you were there, and our Years & Years snaps can be found below!
Keep up with Years & Years here!
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.
