The Head and The Heart at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley 8/19/2022

 

The Head and The Heart at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley 8/19/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

One thing I've never seen is a bad The Head and The Heart concert. The Seattle raised Indie Folk band always puts on a technically proficient and beautiful live show. 

The Head and The Heart at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley 8/19/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

Of course, their show at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley on August 19th was no different. They took the stage under an eye catching blue hue which accentuated the fact they opened with the title track off of their new album, Every Shade of Blue and the night took off from there. You knew right off the bat that The Head and The Heart had brought it. 

The Head and The Heart at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley 8/19/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

The Head and The Heart at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley 8/19/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

After two new songs they played one of their biggest singles to date, "All We Ever Knew" and if you weren't already feeling it, you were feeling it by that point.
Tracks off their new album to beloved fan favorites, the band was dialed in with great sounding acoustics. The Head and The Heart have a way of maintaining an emotional sincerity that transcends from their albums to the stage. It's an element that fans have come to expect at a THATH show. 

The Head and The Heart at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley 8/19/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

Their fifth instalment, which was released earlier this year,  is a great introduction to The Head and The Heart as it encapsulates their melancholy optimism and their show at The Greek in Berkeley was a great introduction to not only their live show for anyone there who hadn't seen them live before. 
 The very next night The Head and The Heart played at The Greek Theatre in LA and fans at that show likely shared the a similar experience. 

The Head and The Heart at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley 8/19/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

Luckily if you missed them in NorCal and SoCal, The Head and The Heart's Every Shade of Blue 2022 North American tour rolls on through October.  

set-list 8/19/2022

1. Every Shade of Blue 
2. Don't Show Your Weakness
3. All We Ever Knew 
4. Another Story 
5. Tie Breaker
6. Let's Be Still 
7. Lost My Mind 
8. Honey Come Home
9. Enemy Lines 
10. Missed Connection 
11. Honeybee 
12. Same Hurt 
13. Paradigm
14. Ghost 
15. Hurts (but Goes Away) 
16. Down The Valley 
17. Shake 

 

 

review written by Marc Fong 
edited by Nikki DeMartini

(The) Melvins @ Pappy & Harriet's 6/16/2022

 In 2021, the band that helped pioneer the grunge and sludge metal scene, (The) Melvins released their 24th studio album, Working with God. Just shy of four years since the release of their 23rd studio album, Pinkus Abortion Technician the new album reunited three of the founding band members from the 1983 ensemble: Buzz Osborne, Mike Dillard and Dale Crover . 

Buzz Osborne of The Melvins @ Pappy & Harriet's 6/16/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

In 1982 near Joshua Tree National Park in Pioneertown, The Cantina owner's daughter, Harriet and her husband Claude "Pappy" Allen bought and renamed the now not so hidden gem of a music venue, the desert honky-tonk known as Pappy & Harriet's (Pioneer Palace).
40 years later, on June 16th, 2022 (The) Melvins played at Pappy & Harriet's. 

With lockdowns and mask mandates lifted, (The) Melvins hit the ground running with Buzz Osborne, Dale Crover and Steven Shane McDonald on tour for the better part of this year. Their show last month was near the start of what they're calling the Electric Roach Tour, their second of three separate tour stretches this year.  

The Melvins @ Pappy & Harriet's 6/16/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Pappy and Harriet's has an indoor stage and an outdoor stage and from as far as I can tell, it's not clear what stage a concert will be on until you get there. My first time there was to see another legendary "punk" act, Bikini Kill this past April. That show was outside but this time the show was inside. And it was packed! And no one was wearing a mask. 

Men outnumbered women there by a landslide and the age demographic had me feeling like one of the youngest ladies in the room. The crowd was sticky and dripping sweat as grown men threw back their heads back as they belted out lyrics to the songs being played. Teetering to keep balance, the crowd swayed on the brink of breaking out into a mosh pit throughout the entire set. 

Buzz Osborne of The Melvins @ Pappy & Harriet's 6/16/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

It was hard to fathom how front man Buzz Osborne and bassist Steven Shane McDonald both wore long, long sleeved cloaks: Osbornes embroidered with gold and eyeballs while McDonalds looked to be a plain off-white linen under the wash of amber lighting.  They both remained cool as they mechanically dish out song after song under wildly long locks: Osborne's curly and boisterous while McDonald's hung long and wafty (honestly, Osborne's hair stole the show).
As soon as the last song of the night ended around midnight the crowd disbursed, some to get a drink at one of the many bars there, some to move to where there was more room to move, others to get a breath of fresh air and head home. 

Pappy & Harriet's 6/16/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Though minimalistic in every aspect except the music itself, it was quite a show to see. It was (The) Melvins at Pappy & Harriet's! The setting of amber lighting and acoustics that didn't overachieve fit the grumbly grunge sound that is (The) Melvins, or (The) Melvins fit it.

Their last show of this stretch of their tour finds (The) Melvins at Cornerstone Berkeley on July 20th. The next and final stretch of their 2022 tour deemed, The Five Legged Tour amply named after their 36 song acoustic double album of the same name, also released last year, starts on September 5th and runs through October. 

Buzz Osborne of The Melvins @ Pappy & Harriet's 6/16/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Orville Peck at The Fox Theater in Oakland 6/14/2022

 

Orville Peck at The Fox Theater Oakland 6/14/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

In 2020, gay country star sensation Orville Peck was slated to play shows at small venues outside of and in the Bay Area including Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown, The New Parish in Oakland and The Independent in San Francisco. 

Orville Peck at The Fox Theater Oakland 6/14/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

Those shows so happened to be Faux-Chella shows as they all fell between weekend one and weekend two of Coachella but that was two years ago when everything, including Coachella and every other festival, show, anything and everything was canceled due to COVID. 

Two years later, the masked man with that deep, velvety voice that cries Chris Isaak re-emerged with a new tour and new tour dates including Coachella, Stagecoach and Faux-Chella shows. This time around though Orville Peck played a sold-out show at The Fox Theater in Oakland which is nearly three times the size of his scheduled 2020 show at The Independent. Days shy of  making the Faux-Chella cut off (90 days before and/or after Coachella in a 100 mile radius of the Empire Polo Fields) Orville Peck's June 14th show was also just in time for pride celebrations! 

Orville Peck at The Fox Theater Oakland 6/14/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

Orville Peck at The Fox Theater Oakland 6/14/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

And the wait was worth it. 

Before masks were a common thing whether you liked them or not, Orville Peck made them fashionable with long tassels giving off a mysterious allure. Even under the mask, he made many in the crowd weak in the knees: swooning, singing and swaying to his trademark sound. 

Orville Peck at The Fox Theater Oakland 6/14/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

From the strings of the guitar to the keys of the piano Orville Peck passionately caressed each instrument he played bringing an intimacy to life right before his fan's faces. He could be a crooner from the past or perhaps a visitor from the future gracing us with a new, fantastical genre of music that we've been missing.  

Orville Peck at The Fox Theater Oakland 6/14/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

Clad in barbed-wire attire, many in the crowd mirrored him in similar masks as he played hits and a smattering off his phenomenal new album, Bronco. He proved to be a born performer with an active, engaging stage presence, plus a unique and superb sound, with an air of intrigue that is inescapable. 

Orville Peck at The Fox Theater Oakland 6/14/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

Orville Peck is someone you gotta see live to believe. 

review by Marc Fong & Nikki DeMartini

Sunflower Bean @ Moroccan Lounge 6/2/2022

It's been a month since Brooklyn based Sunflower Bean has been on the road touring in support of the third instalment to their catalog, Head Full of Sugar. The new album dropped on May 6th and on June 2nd the East Coast garage rock three piece were in the West Coast playing a sold-out show at the Moroccan Lounge in LA. 

Sunflower Bean at Moroccan Lounge 6/2/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Shortly after the opening band --- finished their set, the doors of the room where live performances are held opened and the crowd spilled out into the adjacent room where the bar is. Even with two rooms the Moroccan Lounge is on the smaller side which made a great setting for an intimate show, especially since it was sold-out. The change over didn't seem to last long as the crowd started making their way back into the performance room almost as soon as they had left it. 

Sunflower Bean at Moroccan Lounge 6/2/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

The air was thick in the dark room and as we packed in like sardines for the headliners I noticed that my friends and I were the only people I could see with masks on. At this point in the pandemic this shouldn't be surprising to me but it definitely strikes a cord. 

Sunflower Bean: singer/bassist Julia Cumming, guitarist/back up vocals Oliver Faber and drummer Nick Kivlen, didn't make us wait too long, taking the stage a few minutes past 10:00. With Julia stationed stage left, Oliver stationed stage right and Nick tucked in the back, they opened with the title track of their new album, "Head Full of Sugar". Opening the show with what is one of their most psych-rock songs easily got the crowd into the same groove the band. It was also a great indication that we'd be hearing a bunch more from the album, Head Full of Sugar.  

Under the surface of all the smug faces taking in the psychedelic live music moment a need to rock-out was bubbling. Alas, the chill aesthetic continued on to new song number two of the night, "In Flight".

Sunflower Bean's music is wise beyond their 20 something years, more so now than their 2016 debut,
naturally. On their 2022 release, they tackle existential life contemplations which were probably magnified by the pandemic as many can relate to, with a sense of youthful maturity heard not only in their lyrics. The harmony of Julia on bass and Oliver on guitar is a profound driving force while Julia also takes command as front-woman effortlessly.  

Sunflower Bean at Moroccan Lounge 6/2/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Looking very 90's grunge/early 2000's emo in a old torn up sleeveless T-shirt that could pass as a dress and hard A-line hair cut, Julia introduced the third song as one from a few years ago called 22. She then asked if anyone there was 22, rallying the 22 year olds there to make their presence known. As a circle pit formed and thrashing began, their presence couldn't be ignored. From that point on it was pretty much a full on garage-rock, rock show complete with mosh pits, thrashing and elbows being thrown. 

As the band played on, more and more of their new music coursed through the crowd including Julia's proclaimed favorite track off the record, "Other Side" and my two favorites "Baby Don't Cry" and "Roll the Dice." 

Sunflower Bean at Moroccan Lounge 6/2/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Sunflower Bean at Moroccan Lounge 6/2/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

There wasn't too much action happening on stage and it wasn't needed, their innate passion for playing a live show was all that fans needed and wanted. But as the end neared, Julia riled the crowd by getting into the crowd, causing a flurry as she wailed. Their last song that night is also the last song off of their new album, "Feel Somebody". When a band releases a new album then hits the road, fans expect to experience that new music live and that's what Sunflower Bean did. From the set-list, to the venue to the stage presence and minimalistic set up Sunflower Bean is on the road bringing fans what they've missed, an intimate garage-rock show. 

Sunflower Bean at Moroccan Lounge 6/2/2022
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Ube cupcake from Salud

Before the music festival season really got underway, swinging my workload into fill speed ahead mode, a good friend of mine came to visit me and my new stomping grounds. Showing them around  meant eating our way around town which is what we do everywhere we go. As it turns out it's also a great way to get to know a new area. 

After brunch one day we decided to peruse 4th street. Bright with sunshine and lively with people out and about enjoying all of the cute stores and eateries the street has to offer, it is quite a destination for brunchin'. Bopping in and out of different thrift stores, we were drawn to a juice spot named Salud. In all honesty we were drawn to it at first because we found it so funny that a the place was named Salad but as we got closer we realized it was not salad but Salud. With it's rich display of large tropical plants and wide open doors that floods the store on the corner with natural light, it seems to invite you right in. And, in we went. 

As my friends looked at juices and wellness shots on the menu I looked at the display case. My eyes lit up when I saw that this fancy juice shop had cupcakes! They weren't vegan or gluten free or anything "healthy" like that. They were Ube cupcakes with vanilla buttercream and salted caramel. 
 My friend asked if I wanted a cupcake as he placed his wellness shot order and I didn't let the opportunity pass. I stuck it in the fridge I stuck it in the fridge because I wasn't sure when I was going to eat it in between all of the other eating we were doing. 

Two days later the cupcake was still there and I decided it was now or never, fearing it might already be too late. Low and behold that first bite reveled fresh, brilliant lavender cake! It wasn't dry or crumbly at all.  Ube is a purple yam from the Philippines and it's uber popular. You can pretty much get ube anything: donuts, ice cream, iced lattes, Boba tea, cupcakes. Besides it's purple color the other thing I enjoy about ube is that it isn't too flavorful. It has a richness to it's subtle sweetness which has been compared to vanilla. which is probably why Salud choose a vanilla cream frosting to go with their ube cupcake. The dollop of frosting was hardened when I took it out of the fridge but it quickly softened up as I ate it. Even after being in the fridge a couple of days the buttercream frosting was still legit with a thick texture. 

Drizzled on top was the salted caramel and with all these rich, comforting flavors this final touch wasn't too much. These three flavors compliment each other so well that they balanced out. The most potent of the three flavors is the salted caramel but there's not much of it so it doesn't outweigh the vanilla or the ube. 

This cupcake from Salud is definitely a comfort food and might even be a good way to ease yourself back into eating solid food after doing one of Salud's juice cleanses. Before writing this review I pondered why a juice spot would have cupcakes then it dawned on me, technically ube can be juiced! Who doesn't love a purple drank...but a purple cupcake?! Some might say that's even better. 

Flogging Molly @ The Fox Theater Oakland 3/25/2022

 

Flogging Molly @ The Fox Theater Oakland 3/25/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

After hitting the road with The Violent Femmes and Me First and The Gimme Gimme's last year which brought them to Heart Health Park in Sacramento, Flogging Molly made a triumphant return to The Bay Area last month. 

 

These beloved Irish punk rockers having been coming to town every year around St. Patrick's Day for years delivering a one, two punch kind of show every time. With a bit of Irish luck and most COVID safety mandates lifted, Flogging Molly took the stage at The Fox Theater in Oakland about a week after the celebrated Irish holiday on Friday March 25th.

Flogging Molly @ The Fox Theater Oakland 3/25/2022
photo by Marc Fong 

 Following Vandoliers and Russkaja, Flogging Molly hit the stage with their undeniable passion fueling their effervescent punk rock songs. Gracious and humble, front man Dave King led the crowd into a night filled with infectious Celtic energy that Flogging Molly is known to do best. 

Flogging Molly @ The Fox Theater Oakland 3/25/2022
photo by Marc Fong

Flogging Molly @ The Fox Theater Oakland 3/25/2022
photo by Marc Fong

Flogging Molly @ The Fox Theater Oakland 3/25/2022
photo by Marc Fong

That fateful night somewhere between opening and supporting acts and before the headliners took the stage the announcement of Foo Fighters' drummer, Taylor Hawkins' passing sent shock waves through the music community. Their fifth song of the night, "Whistles In the Wind" was a heartfelt dedication played in remembrance of the acclaimed drummer gone before his time. 

Flogging Molly @ The Fox Theater Oakland 3/25/2022
photo by Marc Fong

18 songs deep, the set stretched on into the night ending with a single encore of "Tabacco Island". 

Flogging Molly @ The Fox Theater Oakland 3/25/2022
photo by Marc Fong

Flogging Molly set-list 3/25/2022

1. Drunken Lullabies

2. The Hand of John L. Sullivan 

3. Swagger

4. Selfish Man 

5. Whistles in the Wind

6. The Worst Day Since Yesterday 

7. The Times They Are A-Changin'

8. Life in a Tenement Square

9. A Song of Liberty

10. Float 

11. Black Friday Rule 

12. Croppy Boy 

13. Devil's Dance Floor

14. Crushed 

15. If I Ever Leave This World Alive

16. Salty Dog

17. What's Left of the Flag 

18. The Seven Deadly Sins 

19. Tabacco Island 

Spring time in the LBC: strawberry cupcake from Frosted

Strawberry Cream Cheese cupcakes at Frosted in Long Beach 
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Spring has officially sprung!
Days are getting longer and nights shorter, so I decided to take advantage of the springtime weather and have my first cupcake experience in Long Beach. 

I hopped on my (borrowed) bike and headed to the first cupcake place I could find.

Frosted on 2nd Street was the destination and what a great first impression of the LBC cupcake scene it turned out to be!

I was tickled to see a cupcake shaped bike rack right outside of Frosted when I got there. (how cute is that!?) I parked, locked up and headed inside. I was delighted that I was the only customer when I walked in  and also delighted that Frosted required all customers to wear a mask while inside. 

Outside of Frosted Cupcakery on 2nd Street in Long Beach 
photo by Nikki DeMartini

cupcakes in a box at Frosted in Long Beach 
photo by Nikki DeMartini

The place itself is not overwhelming at all, with no inside dining available it's quite to the point, order and go, yet I was a tad overwhelmed with deciding which cupcake, or cupcakes to get. I was just excited I found a cupcake spot in my new neighborhood. Without a particular craving, I asked the gal behind the counter if she had any recommendations. Her first recommendation was the flavor of the month which was a cinnamony one.

Next, she recommended a customer favorite: Strawberry Cream Cheese. Being that it is the middle of Strawberry season (January - May), I haven't reviewed a strawberry cupcake in a while and the fact that was the cutest cupcake in the case I got one of the Strawberry Cream Cheese cupcakes. 

Strawberry Cream Cheese cupcake at Frosted in Long Beach 
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Tucked in a box customized to hold two cupcakes, my two cupcakes (yes I got two) survived the bike ride home splendidly without any smooshing or spills. 

One thing that's always stood out to me about this seasonal favorite is how fragrant strawberry cupcakes are. At least the ones I've had in the past have been.
The Strawberry Cream Cheese from Frosted is pretty with it's pink frosting, light coating of teeny pearl sprinkles and big, matching gummy berry but the smell of juicy strawberry didn't hit me upon or before my first bite. "Yummy" was the first thing that hit me when I took my first bite. 

Strawberry Cream Cheese cupcake at Frosted in Long Beach 
photo by Nikki DeMartini

 

The cake is pink, but not too pink, nowhere as pink as the pink frosting. To me this is a good sign of it being a more authentic strawberry flavor. It was light yet moist and buttery which can probably be attributed to the fact that cupcakes are baked fresh from scratch every day at Frosted cupcakery. The Strawberry flavor is kind of hard to describe. It was strawberry but not artificial. It's a fresh baked cupcake with a fresh strawberry taste that isn't overbearing. A few bites in I found myself chewing on a chunk of actual strawberry baked right into the cupcake! That was a first and such a delightfully delectable surprise! 

The ratio of cake to frosting was spot on: pink cream cheese frosting covers the whole top of the cupcake and there isn't too much of it. It's a tint of tangy with a touch more of sweet but not too sweet. In essence it's a great cream cheese frosting and it paired with the fresh, fresh strawberry cake well, anything sweeter would have made it a completely different cupcake. With Summer right around the corner this cupcake will transition to be a great Summer time treat, too!