The Frantic opened up for AM Taxi and Billy Talent for this show. The whole thing was very unexpected, actually. Poison The Well was slated to play the show, but sadly, their van (and gear) got stolen that morning, and they obviously couldn’t make it…. so, Frantic got a call that afternoon about their availability, and before they knew it, they were on the bill.

It was a great show. Lots of punk, lots of rock, and just genuinely good bands. It’s rare that the entire lineup of a show is good, but this was definitely one of those shows. (more…)

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the Lovehammers. I knew frontman Marty Casey had won Rockstar:INXS, and that the Lovehammers had been around the Chicago scene for a while, but that’s about it.

Ultimately, my final decision on them, after the seeing them perform at the House of Blues was that as a photographer, I love them, but as a music lover, I’m not so sure about them. Photographically speaking, they had tons of energy, Casey continually interacted with the crowd, and they had great stage presence. But musically, they weren’t bad, just a little ordinary. However, the photographer side of me always wins, so I’m going to say that I wouldn’t mind seeing them again. I’m curious to see how they would perform on a smaller stage with a more intimate crowd.

(more…)

This is the second time I’ve shot Relient K (the first time being at House of Blues). I have to be honest, I thought the HOB set was much better. This set, while still good, just didn’t seem to have the same energy. Either way, I’m still a fan of most bands that drag pianos around the country with them. (more…)

I don’t even know where to start about this show. I decided to go on a whim, because I had been told multiple times that I should shoot Dr. Manhattan and it was also their CD release show for Jam Dreams. It seemed like a perfect opportunity! I had previously seen Dr. Manhattan a long long time ago, but it was nothing compared to the show they put on at the Beat Kitchen. They were insane, their fans were insane. The whole thing was a huge party. Add that in to the hot, humid, dingy atmosphere of the Beat Kitchen, and it was almost something straight out of a movie.

Really, it’s not that often that you see a band – the whole band – put forth so much energy in a set.  If you have the chance, you should see a Dr. Manhattan show.  It’s really an experience.  I can’t wait until I get a chance to shoot them again in a better lit venue! (more…)

Gaslight Anthem is one of those bands that I kept trying to photograph for months, but for some reason or another, just could not make it out to a show. When I saw they were playing a Lolla afterparty at Double Door, I jumped at the chance to see and shoot them. I do some house photography for Double Door, so it’s nice when bands play there because it’s easy for me to get passes (hey, nothing wrong with being lazy once in a while!). (more…)