I was super lucky to be able to see Company of Thieves twice in just a few month’s time span. Honestly, they’re one of those bands that I could watch every night. Love them.

If you’re in Chicago, they’re headlining Sausage Fest on June 3rd (and my buddies Treaty of Paris are playing the Fest on the 2nd, too), come on out. I’ll be there!

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Garen is always a pleasure to see and photograph, but photographs never do his show justice. He’s one of the few special people whose live show outshines his recorded music, so it’s always a treat when he comes to town.

He’ll be in South for a bit, so I highly recommend checking him out if you are one of the lucky millions around NC and VA!

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It was fate that we were able to make this show. I had a shoot earlier in the evening, and the set times lined up just right where we walked in mere minutes before The Frantic started playing. Hopefully that kind of serendipity happens again soon, because seeing The Frantic once every six months isn’t enough.

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It’s been WAY too long since I’ve seen Company of Thieves. In fact, I even planned a trip to California around this concert because I didn’t want to miss them again. And I’m so glad I did because this was their first time headlining Metro, and as any Chicago band or regular concert-attendee knows, headlining Metro is a big deal. It’s the place where many Chicagoians see one of their first concerts, and is certainly one of the most historic venues in the city.

CoT is going on tour next month, so check out their tour dates, and definitely go if they’re near you. If I planned a vacation around their show, you know they’re good.

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My friend Kyle (from the Frantic, who often grace my blog) made it to Hollywood on this season’s American Idol! Kyle is such a genuinely sweet guy who truly loves music (seriously, he has photos on his Facebook of him performing when he was just a kid). He’s the kind of person who will hang around after a show until he has talked to everyone who attended, even if it takes hours. He has boundless energy onstage, and he and rest of the Frantic have been an important part of the Chicago scene for years. Basically, we’re so excited for him, words can’t even describe it.

It’s almost unbelievable, right?! I swear it’s true. Here are a few videos to prove it: Kyle’s Idol Interview and St. Louis, Behind The Scenes.

Until the beginning of Hollywood Week on Idol airs tonight (and y’all better be watching), a few favorite Kyle photos of mine are below to keep you busy.

PS. Brett, Chris, and Ian… I love you guys too, obviously.