April Showers bring Coachella Shows

It's that time of year when days are longer, nights are mild and people trade winter garb for lighter attire as we head into Spring and look forward Summer. And, while Spring may bring showers of (much needed) rain it's also the start of Festival Season, which will soon take over the proceeding Summer months.  

Coachella, the coveted Festival in the Indio desert, is always the first fest to kick the season off! For those not able to join it's thousands of attendees, the Bay Area is not a bad place to be the weeks prior to, and proceeding the 3 day long fest.
Because bands sign a contract agreeing not to play shows in a 100 mile radius to the Indio Valley Polo Fields 3 months before or after the 2 weekends in April that Coachella takes place, many of the bands bring their act to San Francisco.

 So, even if you can't make it out to Coachella to stage hop among the sweaty masses, you can see some acts from the bill when they play more way more intimate shows in SF!

Dum Dum Girls at The Independent April 8th

HAIM at The Fillmore April 9th & 10th

HAIM @ Treasure Island Music Fest 2013
photo by: Marc Fong

Bastille at The Warfield April 10th

MS MR at The Fillmore April 14th & 15th



MS MR at The Independent October 16th, 2013
photo by: Marc Fong

Foxygen at The Chapel April 16th

The Knife at The Fox Theater April 15th & 16th

Queens of the Stone Age with War Paint  at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium April 17th

Lana Del Rey at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium April 18th

Ellie Goulding at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium April 19th



Ellie Gulding at The Fox Theater February 9th, 2013
photo by: Marc Fong

 Empire of the Sun at The Fox Theater April 17th & 18th



Empire of the Sun @ Outside Lands Music Festival 2012
photo by: Marc Fong

French Horn Rebellion: new EP & upcoming tour

French Horn Rebellion is hitting the road with their brand new EP, Swing Into It!

The new EP from the band who pioneered the genre, "Next Jack Swing" (think New Jack Swing with beat boxing + funk-adelic bass lines) buzzes with a retro, urban energy and a touch of  intrigue, luring you into a swingin' good time.

And, for a limited time you can down load Swing into It!, in it's entirety, for free!

Get ready to get down on the dance floor with French Horn Rebellion.



French Horn Rebellion Live Shows: 5/1 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
5/2 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre
5/3 - Milwaukee, WI @ Mad Planet
5/4 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
5/8 - Allston, MA @ Great Scott
5/9 - West Haven, CT @ RVP Studio: The Cave
5/10  New York, NY @ Webster Hall
5/13 - Washington, DC @ Tropicalia
5/14 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Brillobox
5/16 - Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR
5/17 - Columbus, OH @ A and R Music Bar
5/18 - Louisville, KY @ The New Vintage
5/19 - Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
5/22 - Austin, TX @ Fitzgerald's
5/24 - Dallas, TX @ The Foundry
5/25 - El Paso, TX @ Neon Desert Festival
5/26 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Crescent Ballroom
5/28 - San Diego, CA @ Ux31
5/29 - San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
5/30 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy Theatre
6/2 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
6/4 - Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
6/6 - Springfield, MO @ College Street Barcade
6/7 - Indianapolis, IN @ White Rabbit Cabaret 

Agnes Obel @ The Independent 3/13/2014

One week after having to reschedule her March 6th show due to VISA issues, Danish Artist Agnes Obel definitely delivered a stunning show at The Independent. The mezzanine floor, usually littered with idling show goers,  was situated with candle topped tables last Thursday night, transforming the club into an intimate lounge.

 

Agnes Obel at The Independent March 13th, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

The seasoned crowd arrived reasonably before the 8:00 show time, respectfully ordering drinks, taking their seats and abiding to the no cellphone use announcement just in time for the show. A buzz of anticipation lightly transcended throughout the peaceful room as the ladies set up their classical instruments. 

 

Anges Obel at The Independent March 13th, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

 

 

In a wisp of all white Agnes Obel notably stood out from her all black clad, Canadian tour mates as she prepared behind a shiny grand piano (seldom seen on the venue's small stage) and they tuned their respective Cello and violin adjacent to her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

House lights dimmed a little lower and an elegant, spot light lit stage gave way to a film soundtrack worthy, instrumental piece off of her critically acclaimed  new album, Aventine. The kaleidoscope of grand, melodic, symphonic sounds engulfed the venue captivating everyone's attention with the polished performance in front of them.

 

 

Agnes Obel at The Independent March 13th, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

 

Written, recorded, produced and arranged  entirely from her Berlin home, the deeply serene  Aventine obviously means something special to Agnes Obel, making the work itself special to listen to.  

And, it not being a typical type of show at The Independent, seeing Anges preform songs from her latest album that night was special,too. Engaging with fans, she humbly introduced the cellist and violinist accompanying her on stage, sharing that if not for the two of them her entire tour would have been canceled. Gracious applause rose as thanks to the Canadian artists and a connection had been made as the artists' and their audience warmed up to each other. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Characterized by effortless theatrical  build-ups and fluid grandiose breakdowns,  I don't think anyone would have guessed that the 3 of them had only been performing together for one week prior to the show, if Agnes herself  hadn't told us so.

Agnes Obel at The Independent March 13th, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

Agnes Obel at The Independent March 13th, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fresh spin within the classic symphonic-rock genre heard on all of her work gives her live show  a larger than life vibe yet is not pretentious. The sound is so grand and it's genuinely executed so flawlessly that  one can't help but completely enjoy experiencing Agnes Obel.

 

 

 Aventine is now available to own.

For more photos from the show head over to Marc Fong Photography.  

Diane Cluck at The Chapel 3/10/2014

Following the March 4th release of her 8th studio album, Boneset, Diane Cluck drew a small crowd to her show at The Chapel last Monday night.

Establishing that familiar sense of hipster entitlement before the music even started, those who couldn't find a chair at the partial seated show, made themselves comfortable on The Chapel's wooden floor. Located in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District, The Chapel  probably experiences this more than any other SF venue, however, it was the first time I've seen people voluntarily sit on the floor at show. (festivals obviously excluded). It definitely reinforced the feeling I had that this would be an interesting show.

 

Diane Cluck at The Chapel 3/10/2014
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

 Resembling a modern day Voodoo Witch Doctor, Diane Cluck joined her fairy-like protégé, Isabel Castellvi, on stage and hushed conversations quickly fell silent. The room seemed to become quieter still as soon as the singer-songwriter started singing. And with good reason. Cluck's voice is amazingly soothing, her delivery velvety and extremely smooth. Lyrics about death, bones, darkness and the like, came across light and lovely. So lovely in fact, that: well into the third song I was in such disbelief that anyone could sound that good live, on stage, in a room hardly filled to the max, I paid close attention to see if she was lip syncing. Rest assured, Diane Cluck does not lip sync,her singing is just that good!

 

Diane Cluck at The Chapel 3/10/2014
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

The experimental Folk sound heard on all of her albums was represented well under the arch of The Chapel throughout the show. An acoustic guitar, classic cello strumming, unconventional cello "percussion" and an antique mini accordion were the only instruments used by each musician besides the mics and their voices behind them. 

 

Diane Cluck at The Chapel 3/10/2014
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

While most of the set remained rather mellow, Cluck did speed up the tempo with an almost rap like delivery on the first of two songs dedicated to her grandmothers. Perched behind a cello much larger than herself, the young protégé admirably stole glances of Diane while she performed. Occasionally accompanying Cluck on back up vocals, their voices blended well and an adoring grin  never seemed to leave the young one's glowing face. Timid attempts to connect with her audience were made between songs, by way of song introductions and short stories, but the star of the show couldn't shake her lingering awkward air. Said air didn't hinder the performance, or attendees' enjoyment of it, rather it seemed to add to the odd charm of the show.

 

Diane Cluck at The Chapel 3/10/2014
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

After making her rounds on the West Coast, Diane heads home to grace the East Coast with shows. The US Boneset tour ends on March 30th at The Oak + Ax in Biddeford Maine before gallivanting through Ireland, the UK and Europe until the end of May!

Find out where and when you can hear Diane Cluck's breathtaking live performance, here.

Mini Red Velvet Cupcake from Kingdom Cake

I've been temping at Eventbrite (a self service platform to sell tickets and manage registration for any kind of event) for the past couple of weeks and it has been an absolute pleasure! Everyone who works there is wonderful,  totally helpful and fun! I love going to the office everyday and working in such a terrific atmosphere surrounded by people who want you to succeed.

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

A few days ago, the very diligent hard working Customer Support Team, which I am temporarily a part of, got treated to an off-site afternoon adventure. A few of us were happy to hunker down at the  office and carry on with work as usual so that our co-workers could fully enjoy the rest of their day!

A couple days later, after answering calls and fielding questions for a good part of the day I was completely surprised when a cute little cupcake was delivered to my desk. I was told that it was a thank you gift for working while everyone else went out to play. A gift I graciously accepted yet couldn't believe I was actually receiving.

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

It was a mini cupcake from Kingdom Cake, a mini Red-Velvet cupcake that is. Complete with a card addressed to me and an orange Eventbrite Thank You note-flag, it immediately put a smile on my face. The cupcake, yes but more so the thought behind it.

The deep Red Velvet Cake is decadent without being buttery or moist. 

This Kingdom Cake recipe has a perfect sour cream to bake such a delicately decadent Red Velvet cake. The mini cupcake is as flavorful as it is vibrantly crimson. This a perfect example of how Red Velvet cake is suppose to taste; rich with big hints of cocoa and a velvety texture making it all the more delicious!

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

The dollop of the ultra smooth, thick, creamy, butter-cream/cream-cheese frosting hovers on being overwhelming  but is balanced my it's subtle flavor. The colorful, sugary frosting that decorating the very top of the mini cupcake is a cute customization and yummy, sugary addition! 

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

Kingdom  Cakes, well known for creating customized cakes and cupcakes, sprinkles edible glitter on the Red Velvet mini cupcake.  This very special touch really makes this popular flavor shine!
Besides eating this cupcake, the glitter was my favorite part.
 Glitter on a cupcake is alluring all on it's own and everyone in the office loved these glittery cupcakes!  

With it's velvety cake texture, real Red Velvet flavors and the  great creamy-cheese frosting, Kingdom Cakes mini Red Velvet cupcake is the best Red Velvet cupcake I've tasted!
This was a very enjoyable cupcake experience all around!

Lagunitas Couch Trippin' to Austin: SF w/The Mowgli's & Tumbleweed Wanderers @ The independent 3/5/2014

Petaluma's  Lagunitas Brewing Company, crafted  an eclectic group of members from bands, music and beer sites to brew  special variations of Couch Trippin’ Fusion for each show on their Couch Trippin' to Austin Tour!

 

Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

Every stop along the way to SXSW not only included the limited edition brew but the shows and the beers at these shows were free!

On Wednesday night, Tumbleweed Wanderers and The Mowgil's made up the San Francisco bill, filling The Independent with a happy drunken buzz. Thirsty show goers swarmed the bars and bathrooms before the bands began, while a psychedelic bunny suit wearing ring leader played emcee for a feather fan/pasty clad burlesque dancer and bearded lady glass walker.

Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

Lagunitas Couch Trippin'  @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

Pleasantly inebriated attendees ate these circus opening acts up! Who wouldn't?! Free tunes, brews, boobs, beards and little bit of blood. Am I right?! It was a fun build up to the bands and made the waiting time fly by!
 

As the beer continued to flow, conversations grew louder and louder until, all of the drunken sudden,  Tumbleweed Wanderers hit the stage. The Oakland band's bluegrass twang kept the mingling crowd in a reasonably rowdy state. Their performance was characterized by songs plucked from their discography, including their most recent EP Worn Down Welcome, a refreshing country-rock cover of  Jackson Five's I Want You Back had the place singing the hit in unison and dancing like no like was watching.

Their set was littered with love for Lagunitas as well as check-ins making sure everyone was ok and having a good time. Hoots and hollers from the floor screamed yes;  indeed, everyone was having a good time and we were all ready for more!

Double fisting IPAs, Pale-Ales or whatever was still available on tap, show-goers found spots on the beer soaked floor and were excitedly prepared to enjoy the final act of night, The Mowgli's.



Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong



Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

Positivity and smiles bombarded the stage as The Mowgli's high fived elated fans before jumping right into the optimism driven, emo-pop song, Emily. 

Splashes of gold and violet illuminated the charismatic 7 piece LA based band and their big sound was spot on at the small club.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

 

The band's "summer of love" spirit, paired with Colin and Katie's magnetic stage presence effortlessly spread an infectious happy energy throughout the venue. The SF crowd couldn't help themselves from constant jostling, bobbing, dancing, clapping and singing, a reaction the band visibly loved and fed off of.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humorously and humbly noting that they've been performing the same songs at every show for the last 2,3,4 years because they only have one album, Katie introduced a brand new song and told fans to "fuck it and dance" if they didn't like it. If they liked the new song due to liquid enthusiasm or not, the SF crowd uncontrollably, undeniably, genuinely and understandably loved the last song of the night, San Francisco. The Mowgli's extended their mics into the crowd allowing fans to sing their hearts out, ending the show with an utmost joyous bang!

 

 



Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong



Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong



 

 

 

 

 



Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong



The Mowgli's unique, uplifting, simplistic yet complex harmonious blend of indie-rock and folk music created a continuous jamboree amongst what felt like a room full of friends by the end of the night.

 

Lagunitas Couch Trippin' @ The Independent 3/5/2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

 Lagunitas definitely knows how to throw a party that everyone wants to go to and The Mowlgi's definitely know how to deliver a super fun show that you won't want to miss!

 

Noisepop 2014: The Shilohs and Real Estate @ The Independent 2/28/2014 AND 3/1/2014

Noisepop wrapped up the week long music festival this year with two sold-out Real Estate shows at The Independent last weekend!

The Shilohs at The Independent Saturday March 1st, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

The intimate music venue was pretty full by 9:00 on both Friday and Saturday night as people showed up to see dual night supporting act, The Shilohs. The youthful exuberance of the Vancouver band's front-man, Johnny Payne, echoed the beach-pop, early Beatles style as heard on their debut album, So Wild, while the rest of the band carried on with a childlike shyness.





Payne and his fellow guitarist, Mike Komaszczuk, took turns singing  lead vocals on different songs both  nights, which was a welcomed, out of the ordinary element. 
The Shilohs aesthetic remained an even keel throughout both shows even with their slightly different singing styles.

The Shilohs at The Independent February 28th, 2014
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

The jangle pop foursome showed hints of having fun on stage but were concentrated on preforming  ditties like "The Place Where Nobody Knows I Go" and "Champion Mothers" thrown in with more numbers off of  their upcoming sophomore self titled album, due out this May. .

The Shilohs at The Independent Saturday March 1st, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

With minimal banter, including gracious shout-outs to Real Estate for having a "little ol' band from
Vancouver"  tag along on their West Coast Tour, The Shilohs were able to deliver plentiful supporting act sets. Though you wouldn't be able to tell by the lack of  reaction from the crowd, The Shilohs  were a nice precursor to the headliners.

The Shilohs

Friday Set-List 
1. The Place Nobody Knows I Go

2. Palm

3. Porchlight

4. Cheap Tuesday

5. Days of Wine

6. Days of Nature

7. Singleness

8. Strange Connections

9. English Roads

10. Mercy

Real Estate at The Independent February 28th, 2014
Photo by: Nikki DeMartini

 

The Shilohs

Saturday Set-List

1. Champion Mothers

2. Ordinary People

3. Queen Light

4. Cheap Tuesday

5. Sisters of Blue

6. The Place Where Nobidy Knows I Go

7. Private Lives

8. Didn't Mean to Hurt

9. Pal Jake

10. Glory Glory

 

By 10:30 on both nights, The Independent mirrored it's sold-out status as even more hipster fans showed up fashionably late to catch the headlining Noisepop act. Small amounts of anticipation quietly emerged as Real Estate solemnly hit the stage for the official first and second show of their 2014 tour.
 

Real Estate @ The Independent Saturday March 1st, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

Real Estate @ The Independent Saturday March 1st, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

Bassist Alex Bleeker was the most excited member of the New Jersey based band to be playing in San Francisco: shamelessly expressing his excitement at Friday night's show amidst being lightheartedly teased by Martin Courtney. Bleeker wasn't discouraged from robustly sharing same excitement again at Saturday night's show which is also when he stated that he felt that the show that  night show would be even better than the last one.  These moments during Real Estate's tight sets turned out to be my personal favorite as they showed glimmers of personality that were otherwise missing on both nights.

 

Real Estate @ The Independent Saturday March 1st, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

Real Estate's set lists were heavy with grown up sounds from  Atlas, available as

of March 4th. Their quintessential indie-rock transmitted well at the small dark music club, accentuating the band's subdued air. SF fans literally stood their ground as Real Estate delivered  song after song  with little to zero banter between and no introduction beforehand. A  satisfied feel resonated throughout the crowd, ending each show with a satisfied air.

 

Real Estate @ The Independent Saturday March 1st, 2014
Photo by: Marc Fong

Noisepop 2014 officially called it a wrap this year with Bay fav Rogue Wave at The Chapel on Sunday March 2nd. Our friends at ShowBams were onsite to bring you a full recap complete with awesome shots from that show!

We're already looking forward to the always indie-licious Noisepop Music Festival in 2015!

You can check out what's in-store for the rest of the Real Estate with The Shilohs tour here.
And to see more photos of The Shilohs and Real Estate at The Independent head over to Marc Fong Photography.