Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery in Berkeley 4/21/2017

Needless to say, the music scene around San Francisco is especially great this time of year.  We get all of the Coachella run-off, one-off shows the weeks prior, in between and after the consecutive weekend music festival! Last week The Bay Area hosted DJ Shadow at The Regency Ballroom, three nights of The XX at The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, two nights of Radio Head at The Greek Theater in Berkeley, Gucci Mane at The Warfield, three nights of Whitney at The Independent, BANKS with Raury at The Warfield and New Order at The Greek Theater in Berkeley!

After opening for the new-wave legends at the beautiful outdoor arena perched on the UC Berkeley campus, Polica headlined a special late show a few blocks away at the new Cornerstone Brewery!

One of the last times, if not the last time the Minnesotans were here they literally played in the Bay at  The Treasure Island Music Festival in 2014. It had been three years before we heard anything new after Shulamith and with the release of their 3rd album, United Crushers last March, the return of Polica couldn't come sooner!

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

The East Bay's newest music venue  is also the most exciting new craft beer garden! Offering 42  handcrafted beers, a rustic comfort food menu and a cozy 500 capacity music venue complete with a spiffy new JBL sound and lighting system and a VIP mezzanine. Cornerstone Brewery is already one of a kind and has  set itself up for huge success!

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

 From the entrance on Shattuck, I made my way through the brewery around 11:30 and it was bustling with thirsty Millienials who seemed oblivious that a band was playing. The music venue has it's own entrance, where the box office/will-call window is but with no marquee (yet) it's easy to miss. The staff was very accommodating though; they welcomed me in and showed me where to pick up my tickets.






The stage is housed in huge a room with a bar that runs along the back wall and it's actually pretty secluded from the brewery. Except for the adjoining bathrooms, it's practically a separate establishment. With no house lights, it stayed dark as night club and with no dimming needed, Polica quietly appeared just before midnight.

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery in Berkeley 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong

They opened with "Wandering Star" off their first album to some polite cheers. As a whole the band was rather subdued as if they had used all of their energy at The Greek. In a buttoned up jean jacket, front woman Channy was more reserved than I remembered: stationed close to her synthesizers or behind her mic for the most part. She kept motioning for the sound engineer to adjust her monitors but their hauntingly romantic, synth-indie pop sounded smooth to me. They opened with "Wandering Star" off their first album to some polite cheers. As a whole the band was rather subdued as if they had used all of their energy at The Greek. In a buttoned up jean jacket, front woman Channy was more reserved than I remembered: stationed close to her synthesizers or behind her mic for the most part. She kept motioning for the sound engineer to adjust her monitors but their hauntingly romantic, synth-indie pop sounded smooth to me. 

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong

The atmosphere was displaced, guided by conversations carrying on at the bar and fans who were watching Polica did just that in a transfixed state. Bouts of heckling from the crowd only fed the feeling of discontentment coming from the stage.
 Channy's slow-tempo singing is stylistic and focused, adding that much more to their ominous vibe. The general misanthropy buried within lyrics of many of their songs throughout their catalog is carried by her powerful vocals. Pessimism aside, Polica's sound is lightened by bouncy, pixelated harmonies of faint guitar and dominant synth hooks. Dark and introspective, the restless disposition of their special late show was a cool way to start a Saturday well before the break of day.

Polica @ Cornerstone Brewery 4/21/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

The flow of tracks from all three albums was a steady one making for a solid set for what was the second show at the new venue! Follow Cornerstone Brewery on Facebook to keep track of what bands they have lined up!

SET-LIST 4/21/2017

1. Wandering Star
2. Lime Habit
3. Wedding
4. Trippin
5. Lately
6. Fly
7. Lose You
8. Fake Like
9. Warrior Lord
10. Lay Your Cards Out
11. So Leave
12. Very Cruel
13. Leading To Death 

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017

Ensemble jam-band Moonalice returned to Slim's on Thursday April 20th with their friends The Doobie Decible System for their annual 420 show!

Hosted by Wavy Gravy, the 420 Gathering of the Tribe event drew hippies of all ages from different eras and the celebration got underway at 7:20 with The Doobie Decible System. Dead Heads, Phish, Further and psychedelic rock fans alike milled about in peaceful harmony. It was nice to see a different scene in the basement like setting at Slim's which usually hosts punk rock, hard rock, metal bands.

Wavy Gravy/ Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong 

A friend joined the iconic Wavy Gravy on stage between bands: they told stories from drug induced Woodstock and Summer of Love days and they picked some prize winners for the raffle that was benefiting their fellow musician, Dave Hunter's battle with brain cancer.






The four members of Moonalice were accompanied by female singer/guitarist Katie and Jason Crosby jumped on keys for "High Five", "Summertime Blues" and "Keep On Growing'".  Heavily guitar driven with Barry Sless on lead, they all seemed relaxed and really into it as they jammed on. Bright, colorful, tie-die visuals behind the band highly accentuated their groovy vibe.

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong 

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong 

The show was dedicated to the memory of Pizza John Smaron, one of the earliest and most loyal members of the Tribe. There was a laid-back vibe throughout the venue as showers swayed, eyes closed to the psychedelic sounds.

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong

At the end of the night, everyone who gathered at Slim's got a set of 19 posters designed by Moonalice artists for the 420 show specifically. You're lucky to get one show poster at certain venues here in San Francisco on your way out of a show, so 19 posters is an awesome send off!

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong

Moonalice @ Slim's 4/20/2017
Photo by Marc Fong

Moonalice's Gathering of the Tribe was a very fitting way to celebrate 420 2017! 

Dahlia Bakery in Seattle

I had never heard of Dahlia Bakery when I visited Seattle earlier this month but as I walked from Pike Place to the Space Needle across town, my path crossed the cute little store front. My Aunt Molly whom I love dearly, loves Dahlias and being fond of the big, colorful blooms myself,  I felt I had to see what this bakery was all about. I was on vacation after all, so why not treat myself to an afternoon delight. 

Dahlia Bakery in Seattle
photo by Nikki DeMartini

To say that the Dahlia Bakery is small is an understatement, it's tiny! There's just enough room to walk in and look at the wall and counter full of delectable selections. And I do mean full! Once you step foot inside Dahlia Bakery you're completely surrounded by cookies, cakes, pies, tarts and bread practically from floor to ceiling!  The lady behind the counter was super helpful, offering lots of recommendations of her favorites, customer favorites and popular choices based on what your sweet tooth is in the mood for (i.e: chocolate or otherwise). 

There wasn't any cupcakes but when I walked in I noticed that the sandwich board sign outside boasted of their famous  Triple Coconut Cream Pie and to my delight it's also offered bite sized! A miniature pie is almost like a cupcake, especially a miniature Cream Pie. Plus it's what the Dahlia Bakery is known for, so a bite sized Triple Coconut  Cream Pie it was!

Dahlia Bakery's Triple Coconut Cream Pie Bite
photo by Nikki DeMartini

 All of the artisan breads, handmade pastries and cakes are made fresh daily in small batches. $2.50 is a bit pricey for such a little treat but I figured it had to be worth it! Big flakes of dried coconut are sprinkled over the mountain of fresh whipped cream. Fluffy and not overloaded with sugar, the whipped cream melts in your mouth without leaving a filmy residue on the top of your mouth.  Hiding underneath is the plump dollop of the world famous triple coconut cream cradled in the buttery, light pie crust. Cool and super creamy, the coconut flavor isn't overwhelming or underwhelming, it's just right. I finished my bite sized Triple Coconut Cream Pie in two bites because I was trying to savor the moment but it's name is definitely true to it's size. It was creamy but not rich or heavy. It was the perfect Seattle treat to eat en route to my next tourist attraction. I'm so happy I happened to find Tom Douglas' Dahlia Bakery and their world famous Triple Coconut Cream Pie!

Dahlia Bakery's Triple Coconut Cream Pie Bite
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
Photo by Marc Fong

Upon the release of the music video for one of their newest songs, "Lay Low"on February 6th Crystal Fighters announced they'd be going on tour in Spring 2017!

Following the October 21st, 2016 release of their third studio album, Everything Is My Family their North America tour hit big cities of New York , L.A, Chicago,  D.C, Boston and kicked things off at Mezzanine in SF on March 27th!

Everything Is My Family
album cover art 

Sebastian, Gilbert and Graham were joined by two female counterparts Ellie and Louise and the five hit the stage with a vibrant flare! The band's colorful attire, which included different head dresses on the guys and almost identical fits on the ladies, were a match to their colorful tunes. 

Originally from Navarre, Spain Crystal Fighters' sound stays true to their roots with Basque instruments like the txalaparta beautifully outshines the minimalistic use of synthesizers. Intriguingly, when they all sing together, it's more like synchronized singing rather than the usual harmonizing.
Each voice distinctly it's own with Se "bast"ian Pringle leading the pack on vocals.
Ellie and Louise were given the lead vocals spotlight on some songs as well. When they did harmonize, their voices blended just as sweet as when they sang in unison.

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

They emitted a sense of gratitude as they played: thankful to be there, thankful to be with friends, thankful to be playing their music, thankful for everyone who was at their show. It wasn't anything any of them said out loud, it was something you felt. Like the way their rural indeginous indie makes you move without noticing that you are. It was a happy, freeing feeling.

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

The second song of the set, "Yellow Sun" (also the second song off the new album) was the brightest part of the night in my eyes. It's jangly melodies, layered vocals and charismatic chorus are hootenanny-esque, especially live. I saw the Mezzanine come to life in a euphoric way like I've never seen. Crystal Fighters lifted spirits high and they didn't come down from that point on.

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Their set-list that night was a menagerie of their diverse works from their growing, three album collection. Proclaimed by Bast as "more tropical, more rave, more sunshine, more pretty much everything" their latest efforts are all that and added more energy to the show than their older songs did.

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

This gang of down to earth guys and gals just wrapped up their nine stop North American tour April 7th at The Black cat in Washington, DC. As they continue to gain international attention, hopefully they'll have a longer run next time they play in the states!

Crystal Fighters @ MEZZANINE 3/27/2017
photo by Marc Fong

set-list 3/27/2017
1. Follow 
2. Yellow Sun
3. LA Calling 
4. In Your Arms 
5. Love Is All I Got 
6. All Night 
7. I Love London
8. I do This Every Day 
9. Ways I Can't Tell 
10. Everything Is My Family 
11. Lay Low
12. Bridge Of Bones
13. Good Girls 
14. Love Natural 
15. At Home 
16. You & I 

encore
17. Xtatic Truth 
18. Plage

Nikki Lane @ Social Hall SF 3/23/2017

I wasn't too sure what I was walking into as I headed to Social Hall SF for the Nikki Lane show last Thursday: I had read that she canceled her Amoeba appearance on Haight Street earlier that evening, to rest up and the two openers for her headlining gig were replaced super last minute.
The venue, which is tucked on a corner off Van Ness, has hosted a lot of electronic artists and indie acts since it opened two years ago, so I was pleasantly surprised to hear country twang coming from the stage when I walked in that night!

Nikki Lane @ Social Hall SF 3/23/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Nikki Lane @ Social Hall SF 3/23/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

Jonathan Tyler, one of the openers who unfortunately had to cancel, helped produce Highway Queen, the third album from the South Carolina native. Critically acclaimed in such a short time since it's February 17th release date, the now Nashville rebel is emerging as one of country music's most gifted songwriters as she tours in support of her new album.

Nikki Lane @ Social Hall SF 3/23/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Nikki Lane @ Social Hall SF 3/23/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

In a wide brim hat, braided pigtails, a southern drawl and her guitar in hand, Nikki Lane gave a solid and sincere performance full of hearty banter.
Her old-soul country sound resonated  superbly in the quaint venue, better than any other show I've ever seen there. Good ol' Americana country was a great fit within the classic moulded walls and low ceilings, compared to the usual electro DJ acts and indie bands.
It was by far, the best show I've been to at Social Hall SF to date! 

Nikki Lane @ Social Hall SF 3/23/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

The SF date was the only one that Jonathan Tyler and Robert Ellis had to drop out of. They'll both be opening for Nikki Lane until the end of her North America run May 19th in Nashville Tennessee. After that, the Highway Queen is bringing her country rock to Germany, Spain, the UK, Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway! 

MØ @ The Warfield 3/19/2017

It's still un-known as to why Danish starlet MØ canceled her show at The Warfield on November 19th last year but it was quickly rescheduled at the same venue on March 19th, 2017! 

Low ticket sales? Impending new music? Four months is kind of a while to wait but what ever the reasoning was, original ticket holders were honored at the show last Sunday night and tickets were available at the door, too!

The artist-studded, catchy Moombahton-pop song "Lean On" blew up in the Sumer 2015, becoming the most listened to single (over 540 million "spins") and one of the most listened to songs of all time on Spotify! The Major Lazer song featuring MØ's distinctive vocals, catapulted the 28 singer/song-writer from underground, on-line indie darling to one of today's most saught after artists to collaborate with. 

MØ at The Warfield 3/19/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

MØ at The Warfield 3/19/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

Copenhagen's Karen Marie Aagaard Ørsted Andersen AKA MØ (which means "maiden" or "virgin" in her native Danish language) hasn't dropped an album since her 2014 debut,  No Mythologies To Follow. That doesn't mean that the petite indie-pop artist with a bratty street vibe hasn't been busy though!






Collaborating with the likes of Iggy Azalea ("Beg For It" in 2014), Major Lazer and Justin Bieber ("Cold Water" in 2015), Major Lazer with DJ Snake and Diplo ("Lean On" in 2015)  Snakeships ("Don't Leave" in 2017) and Charlie XCX ("3AM in 2017),  releasing a new single of her own, "Drum", she also co-wrote Major Lazer's "All My Love" feat. Ariana Grande and touring pretty heavily on the 2015 festival circuit before launching her headlining tour,  MØ has worked hard to make a name for herself.

MØ at The Warfield 3/19/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

MØ at The Warfield 3/19/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

Her growly electro-pop draws a millennial following but showgoers weren't as young as I would have expected and 20-30 something ladies widely out numbered guys. The crowd wasn't nearly as thick as it has been in the past at the downtown SF venue, giving us ample wiggle room for the dance party that was sure to start as soon as main act graced the stage!

MØ at The Warfield 3/19/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

MØ at The Warfield 3/19/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Cool indigos and pulsing strobs lit the stage while her genuine, firey energy got her fans lit, bringing them up to her party level with her unpredictable movements.  The sweet tomboy was all over the place: jumping, rolling and generally flailing all about the stage when she wasn't leaning into the crowd to sing face to face with fans. She couldn't keep from getting people engaged by surrounding herself with adoring, picture taking, video filming, live streaming fans.

MØ at The Warfield 3/19/2017
photo by Marc Fong

MØ at The Warfield 3/19/2017
photo by Marc Fong

She went into the thick of crowd over and over and even made a surprise appearance up in the balcony just a few songs into the set! Her crowd interaction was cheerfully sincere: shouting thank you after every song, her chattiness was light and friendly like  small talk between acquaintances.

MØ at Treasure Island Music Fest 2014
photo by Marc Fong 

Reminiscing about the first time/the last time she played in the Bay (literally) at Treasure Island Music Fest in 2014 when she had an eye infection and rocked an eye patch she really strengthened her connection with the crowd because even if you weren't there for it, chances are you heard about the girl at T.I.M.F with an eye patch that year!














Driven by synth beats,  her live show pleasantly blurs the lines of her alternative electro-pop sound with sparkly guitar hooks and easy drums giving it that indie feel.
MØ's show in SF was the epitome of up-close and personal! Full of energetic spunk, she delivered favorites, some more dancey than others, with a couple covers thrown in and it was so fun being a part of all the fun!
There's no doubt about it, MØ made up for having to reschedule her show months ago fo sho!

MØ at The Warfield 3/19/2017
photo by Marc Fong

3/19/2017 set-list 

1. Don't Wanna Dance 

2. Waste of Time

3. Slow Love 

4. Kamikaze 

5. Riot Girl 

6. All I Do

7. One Love (Elliphant cover) 

8. Dust Is Gone

9. Madien

10. Piligram 

11. Drum 

12. Cold Water (Major Lazer cover) 

13. True Romance 

14. Glass

15. Final Song 

Milky Chance @ The Independent 3/10/2017

Milky Chance saw  huge success with their 2013 debut album, Sadneccasary. Fours years later the German alternative folk-tronica group is gearing for the release of the anticipated follow up, Blossom on March 17th!

Milky Chance @ The Independent 3/10/2017
photo by Marc Fong

The last time they were in SF, Milky Chance played The Regency Ballroom in April 2015 and a few months later they played the Sutro Stage at Outside Lands. The now three-piece band sold-out their much more intimate show at The Independent in SF last Friday, March 10th, one week before the release of their sophomore album!

People were still finding their way inside well past 7:30pm, when doors opened and fans who made their way to the front of the stage were inconsiderate considering the close quarters of their surroundings. Unnessicarily loud and overtly pushy, they made it pretty clear that they don't go to too many shows the way they carried on. And if they do, then thankfully, I don't frequent the kinds of shows they go to. 

Milky Chance @ The Independent 3/10/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

A young Noah Kahan hit the fully back-lined stage about half an hour later than scheduled but never the less, to a roaring response. With only a guitar and a microphone, he powerfully serenaded the crowd over their loud convos which didn't yield at all once the music started.






I was led to believe that up and coming artist must have had friends in the audience the way people kept shouting his name and shrieking when he started songs. Disruptively excited to see their friend performing at a well known music venue in the city and opening for Milky Chance no less, they definitely took something away from Noah's big night with their immature antics.


The rest of the show was pretty much on track with Noah Kahan wrapping up on time and Milky Chance hitting the stage only a few minutes "late" right before 9:30. I was impressed that the headliner wasn't pushed back since the 8:00pm show didn't get under way until 8:30pm!


Lead singer Clemens Rehbein, DJ/percussionist Phillip Dausch and guitarist/bassist/harmonicanist Antonio Greger were joined by a fourth tour member who fit right in on drums. A perfect addition to their live show, driving home the band's chill yet complex sound.

Milky Chance @ The Independent 3/10/2017
photo by Marc Fong 

The stage arrangement was really aesthetically pleasing: instead of the typical stage right and stage left placement of guitarists/bassists and/or synth player with the drummer tucked in the back, Milky Chance members were staggered across the stage with Rehbein front and center. This fairly uncommon set-up allowed you to easily see the whole band through out the night!

They were off to a modest and comparably quiet start as fans' boisterous cheers rose then faded into synchronized singing along. Playing title track "Blossom" between both of the new singles "Ego" and "Doing Good" one after another at the top of the set seemed like a daring move . When Rehbein announced they'd be playing a bunch of new stuff, then it made more sense: easing fans into the introduction of brand new songs with ones that had a little familiarity.

Milky Chance @ The Independent 3/10/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Color changing, cascading lights and the occasional bright white light/backlighting served as an enhancement to the mystique of their music. While the unique lighting accentuated their stoney vibe, drawing a trance-fixed attention throughout the crowd, the otherwise reserved frontman's personable crowd engagement really highlighted how down to earth the band really is. Through a humble, gracious smile, he softly thanked everyone for making it out in the city he and his bandmates love so much.

Milky Chance @ The Independent 3/10/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Their biggest hit to date, "Stolen Dance" got an energetic outpouring reaction when cued mid-set, rendering a low-key, groovy dance party that lasted for the reminder of the show!

On the surface,  their hazy rock sound is very alt-indie with an underlying guitar emphasis teetering between acoustic-ish and electric. Welding hints of Reggae and even Folk by interlacing bongos and harmonica along side Dausch's turn-table mixing, Milky Chance has an instrumentation that's unassumingly experimental. The way that they compose and play all of these different layered genres, flows naturally and their concert representation as a whole is sensorially artistic!

Milky Chance's live show will bring you to an almost hypnotic state while making you want to dance at the same time.

Milky Chance @ The Independent 3/10/2017
photo by Marc Fong

Milky Chance @ The Independent 3/10/2017
photo by Marc Fong

The tour in support of their new album will have them back in The States in May and Blossom is available today!