I was raised by music enthusiasts: one parent being what I came to be known as a "Dead-Head" the other blaring everything from The Stones, to David Bowie, Ice - T to Frank Zappa and the B-52's, so it's not surprising that I've grown to like all different genres of music. I have my go-to's but I'm open to and enjoy all types of music and if you read my blog on a regular basis you've probably already gathered that. I'm also always down to go to a show, any show, even if it's a band I've never heard of.
The Summer Music Fest Season has officially been done-zo for a few weeks and it's safe to say that Summer and our infamous Indian Summer in San Francisco are (finally) over. Now that the Holiday Season and all of it's festivities are ramping up let's take a look back at October which is better known as Rock-tober in the wide realm of music. The shows I went to last month really ran the gamut: from venue to stage design, lighting and genera to the show-goers, each show stood on it's own on a few different levels. I know these aren't uncommon concert occurrences, especially with the mix of music I saw but still!
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| Tove Lo at The Fox Theater 10/3/2015 Photo by Nikki DeMartini |
Tove Lo
October 3rd at The Fox Theater:
Girls with boyfriends in tow, groups of girlfriends, cute gay boys and young-ins flocked to the sold-out Tove Lo Show at The Fox Theater in Oakland. The racey, Swedish pop-starlette had an exuberant, gracious stage presence and a bright, sleek stage production complete with her (stage) name lit up in Marquee lights. Personally, I'm only familiar with her hit singles that are played on the radio but everyone at the show sang along to every single song!
October 3rd at The Fox Theater:
Girls with boyfriends in tow, groups of girlfriends, cute gay boys and young-ins flocked to the sold-out Tove Lo Show at The Fox Theater in Oakland. The racey, Swedish pop-starlette had an exuberant, gracious stage presence and a bright, sleek stage production complete with her (stage) name lit up in Marquee lights. Personally, I'm only familiar with her hit singles that are played on the radio but everyone at the show sang along to every single song!
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| Diego's Umbrella @ Social Hall SF 10/16/2015 Photo by Marc Fong |
Diego's Umbrella
October 16th at Social Hall SF:
San Francisco natives, Diego's Umbrella played a celebratory show for the release of their Songs for the Juerga EP at the newest concert venue in the city, Social Hall SF.
Loyal fans danced to the signature sounds of polka/ska inspired jams with a Spanish flamenco flava from the 5 piece, Gypsy Punk-Rock band. Regardless of the fact that tickets didn't sell as well as I would have thought for a Friday night, hometown record release show, Diego's Umbrella generated lively fun on and off stage.
A Silent Film
October 19th at The Independent
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| A Silent Film @ The Independent 10/19/2015 Photo by Nikki DeMartini |
FKA Twigs
October 17th at Treasure Island Music Fest
FKA Twigs was arguably the most anticipated artist at Treasure Island Music Fest this year and the experimental trip-hop singer, songwriter, producer, former back-up dancer definitely did not disappoint. The British beauty hit the dark, smokey Bridge Stage fashionably late wearing a revealing lace pant suit paired with a dominatrix style Bustier. She silently sauntered to her mic with a sultry demeanor which was a big part of her stage presence throughout the set.
The meticulous choreography and body contorting dance moves were utterly amazing and flowed with her evocative R&B tunes so well all you could do was watch in awe. She awkwardly thanked the crowd a couple of times during what was the last set she'd perform on her 2015 Festival run.
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| FKA Twigs @ Treasure Island Music Fest 10/17/2015 Photo by Marc Fong |
The meticulous choreography and body contorting dance moves were utterly amazing and flowed with her evocative R&B tunes so well all you could do was watch in awe. She awkwardly thanked the crowd a couple of times during what was the last set she'd perform on her 2015 Festival run.
The War on Drugs
October 18th at Treasure Island Music Fest
What a difference a day makes! The War on Drugs played the same stage that FKA Twigs played the previous day at Treasure Island Music Festival . Adam Granduciel's voice was smooth and soothing and the band's acoustics were some of the best I've ever heard at a Music Festival. Their shoegazing indie-rock appeal allowed you to just chillax and enjoy the brisk Sunday evening.
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| The War on Drugs @ Treasure Island Music Festival 10/18/2015 Photo by Marc Fong |
What a difference a day makes! The War on Drugs played the same stage that FKA Twigs played the previous day at Treasure Island Music Festival . Adam Granduciel's voice was smooth and soothing and the band's acoustics were some of the best I've ever heard at a Music Festival. Their shoegazing indie-rock appeal allowed you to just chillax and enjoy the brisk Sunday evening.
Marina and the Diamonds
October 20th at The Fox Theater
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| Marina and the Diamonds @ The Fox Theater 10/20/2015 Photo by Marc Fong |
A huge wall from which her band played a top of flashed quirky cartoonish visuals behind her as she energetically performed melodic ballads and electro-pop favorites from all three of her albums.
Her three costume changes throughout the night reflected the theme of each album and this arena worthy show element, which is seldom seen at The FoxTheater, added even more fun to her set!
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| Emily Wells @ The Chapel 10/21/2015 Photo by Nikki DeMartini |
Emily Wells
October 21st at The Chapel
The young and very talented Emily Wells quite literally carried her show at The Chapel in the heart of San Francisco's Mission districted on October 21st. The multi-instrumentalist violin virtuoso single-handedly set up all of her instruments and equipment before starting her one-woman show. She captivated show-goers with her humble performance of emotion evoking eccentric indie-folk.
As you can see from the variety of shows I went to last month alone (and that's not even all of them) I am not close minded when it comes to music or going to shows. I highly recommend approaching show going the same way! Not only will it expose you to something you might not have ever dialed into or thought you would like but it exposes you to how different bands utilize the pieces that make a show stand out or seem the same as the last indie band you saw (for example).
Being open minded to all types of music will open your eyes to a new appreciation of live music and musicians. Plus you'll end up going out and having more fun if you don't close yourself off to new experiences.
Rock-tober is over but there's still a couple weeks left of Show-vember, so get out there and enjoy some shows!
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