Tag: concert

concerts, flickr, music musings, music suggestion, photography

adele @ the variety, march 19, 2009

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Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing the amazing, two time 2009 Grammy winner, Adele, live and in concert. My friend Jason and I headed out to the show, and while I knew it was going to be good, I didn’t expect to be as amazing as it was.
Adele @ The Variety Playhouse ATL 3/17/09
First up, Kameron Corvet opened for her, and he was delightful. I loved his acoustic style, and he sings beautifully. I loved his cover of Little Red Corvette, and his set, while short, was impressive. This local artist definitely made some new fans last night. My only complaint, is that I wish he sang in his regular range more than he sings in falsetto, because his “regular” voice is beautiful. It has touches of John Legend and Michael Jackson to it, and is beautiful on its own without the need for too much falsetto.

After Kameron left the stage, it wasn’t long before the amazing Adele took the mic. While I was watching her perform, it was really difficult to believe that she is only 19 years old; she commanded that stage like a seasoned professional. She was so cute, and adorable in the way that she genuinely had a great time performing, and I love seeing someone who genuinely seems to be having a good time while they are performing. She giggled and laughed in between songs, waved to the audience, and proclaimed her gratitude for everyone coming out to see her; she seemed surprised that so many people knew who she was. She even told of how she acquired her “drag queen eyelashes” earlier that day in Little Five Points, as well as how much she enjoyed seeing Atlanta for the first time. I thought it was a bit strange that someone in the front held up a CD for her to sign, but she did sign it between songs, and was very sweet about it. Overall, she came across as a beautiful person as well as a beautiful singer.
Adele @ The Variety Playhouse ATL 3/17/09
One of the things that I like most about Adele, is her beautiful voice, and fantastic song writing skill. I love how she uses her voice more as an instrument, which takes her songs from being simply sung, to truly performed; which translated amazingly live. Also, she played both the guitar and the bass on several songs, and did so effortlessly.

It is rare that you see someone live who is arguably better than they are on their CD (even though, she is pitch perfect, and fantastic on her CD), and Adele definitely falls into this elite category. Her voice was flawless, and her live singing ability was very impressive. She has a powerful gift, and I feel privileged to have gotten the opportunity to see her in such an intimate venue. As I mentioned to Jason after the show, this is the reason I love going to concerts; sometimes, you have an opportunity to see a truly amazing artist who’s talent just blows you away. Adele’s performance was nothing short of amazing, and after seeing her live, I definitely consider her amongst my favorite singers. She played a bit of a new song last night as well, and it was beautiful; I can’t wait to hear more from this beautiful Brit. Overall, it was an amazing night, and an amazing performance, and I am glad that I was able to be a part of it.

(to see all of my pictures from the show, click here.)

britney n' k-fed, concerts, happenings, music musings

britney spears 3/5/09 @ philips arena atlanta

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Where should I begin?! As a long time fan of the pop princess, it is kind of interesting that I have never seen her in concert before last week. I mean, I wanted to go, but it was either a matter of not having a show close by, or I blanked on buying tickets in time. Regardless of the reasons for not going in the past, when Britney’s fantastic album Circus was followed by rumors of a coinciding tour, I promised myself that this time, I wouldn’t miss out; and after seeing the show, I am glad I made this decision. In a word, the show was amazing. It was a visual treat for the eyes; costume changes for every song, remixes and different versions of classic Britney hits, and Britney herself commanding the stage and dancing and performing her heart out for a solid 2 hours. I have to say, if there was any time I have ever TRULY believed that Britney was going to be successful with a “comeback”, it occurred in Phillips Arena last week.

We started off the night by getting dinner with my buddy Stu (who was just as excited to see Britney as I was) after which, we headed to Phillips Arena. I decided that driving would be better, because I knew Marta would be utter madness for this event, so I was fully prepared to pay out the nose for parking. We managed to get close by for $20, and in our excitement, James managed to lock us out of the car as we headed to the stadium. However, the car itself was still running at the time. Nice. So, we had to wait for AAA to show up, and then we made our way into the show. No harm, just 30 more minutes of anticipation, really.
Britney Spears 3/5/09 @ Phillips Arena ATL
Opening for Britney were the Pussycat Dolls, and they were actually very, very good live. That Nicole Scherzinger can fucking sing, and she made it apparent that she is definitely still the head Doll. Those other girls can DANCE, but Nicole has got the pipes that puts the dinner on the table, and she made that point known at the show. After a decent set, they exited the stage, and Britney’s crew set up the stage (which was a theater in the round set up), and the anticipation grew. Would she blow us away, or just disappoint? I was about to find out if my pop princess still had it in her all these years later.
Britney Spears 3/5/09 @ Phillips Arena ATL
Britney came out with a bang, and performed Circus right off the bat, which I thought was brilliant. Song after song, she danced, and worked all three of the stages; the main center ring, and both smaller rings on each end of the stadium. She must have danced her way back and forth through Philips Arena a good 15-20 times, and she remained full of energy the entire show. It was impressive how she commanded the stage, and it was amazing to see her perform. All of the performances were very well choreographed, and while I am certain she lip-synced a lot of them, it didn’t matter to me; I wanted to see her perform, as she sang the original song anyway. The show was a feast for the eyes that I doubt I will see the likes of again any time soon.
Britney Spears 3/5/09 @ Phillips Arena ATL
She ended the show with a bang, releasing confetti in the arena, and as we exited back to our car, we all agreed that what we had seen was an amazing show. Is Britney back for good? I guess only time will tell for sure, but I can say one thing with certainty, she was definitely in top form that night, and going to see her live was worth every penny. Since then, I have had Britney fever, and have been re-enjoying music of hers that I haven’t listened to in ages. Britney is definitely the princess of pop, and I hope that she just keeps on bringing us the goods; because I am certain that pop music wouldn’t be the same without her. This show most certainly ranks amongst the best concerts I have ever had the privilege of seeing.

concerts, flickr, friends, music musings, music suggestion, photography

Lady GaGa @ Bazaar Atlanta 10/29/08

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Lady GaGa @ Bazaar ATL, 10/29/08Last night, I had the distinct pleasure of seeing the amazing Lady GaGa live, at a very intimate venue, the bar Bazaar, in Midtown Atlanta. The place was standing room only, and the place was packed with eager fans waiting to see Ms. GaGa take the “stage” (which was just a big plywood box that they put up at the front of the bar).

We arrived early, so as to make sure we had a great view, and ended up being in the front “row”. After waiting a couple of hours, the white limo pulled up outside, and the tension in the room grew; we were ready for our diva to take the mic and turn out the beats. I have to gripe here for a second, though, because people who think that they can just come up to the front, and stand in front of people that have been patiently waiting for two hours can get a freaking clue. Seriously, no less than 3 people tried to do that, and I told them to shove off… I usually just deal with it, but I was NOT going to stand behind someone at this show. After waiting for a while after the limo pulled up, and after telling several people to move to the back where there was plenty of room, Lady GaGa busted in, and seriously brought down the house. Just before she came out, her dancers came down to make sure they had enough room, and the one dancing in front of me said, “make sure to keep this area clear; there will be a LOT of dancing right here”. Hell yes.

She was full of energy, dancing and gyrating through several of her major songs, like Just Dance, Beautiful Dirty Rich, and her current single, Poker Face. After an energetic performance filled with complicated choreography, a dance with a disco stick, and acrobatic routines, the Lady treated us to one of the songs that was included on the American release of her record (which was finally released earlier this week), Starstruck (which I absolutely LOVE).

The beats were massive, the sound was booming, and her vocals were flawless. I consider myself extremely lucky to see someone as hugely talented as Lady GaGa in such an intimate setting, and I enjoyed the concert thoroughly; as did everyone else in the place by the feeling of all that energy. I was also completely happy that Stu, John, Michael, and Broderick were there… we all had a blast. GaGa came in, completely delivered, and even stuck around for autographs after her show (which was incredible, considering that she opened for the New Kids earlier that night before playing for us!).

Overall, it was a massive show, and it was amazing. When I met her after the show, I excitedly told her that I loved her, and she simply told me that she loved me as well. *squee!* This is definitely a show that I won’t forget for some time. I’m glad that I had the chance to go out and “just dance” with the Lady that is GaGa.

Be sure to check out the other photos that I took on flickr; you can get there by clicking on the one above. I got some freaking great shots, and I am so glad that I defended my up front position so that I could get them!! (note: a post similar to this one is posted on Jiingo as well!)

concerts, hotness, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, near and dear, show the love

CD review: Sara Bareilles: Between the Lines – Live at the Fillmore

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As I posted about yesterday, there were some pretty major releases coming out this week, and while I was very excited about all of them, there was none that I was more excited about than the release of Sara Bareilles’ live CD/DVD, Between the Lines – Live at the Fillmore. When I first heard that she was going to be releasing a live album, I was immediately ready to plunk down the cash as soon as it hit shelves, because if there is one thing that is true about Sara, is that she is not only an impressively talented musician, but she completely delivers live (not to mention that I am a HUGE fan of hers).

Now, I have traditionally not been a fan of live recordings. I don’t feel like they maintain the quality of the show, and fail to capture the energy and presence of the artists; at least, that has been my experience in almost every recording that I have come across. However, with regards to Sara, the very first time I saw her live, I bought her first independent release, and on it, there were several live versions of her work, and all of them were impeccable. In fact, you could say that almost all of those songs were indistinguishable from her studio work, other than the clapping and audience involvement. I’ll say it again: she really delivers live. Having seen her many times over the past few years, and thoroughly enjoying each show, I became very excited at the prospect that she would be capturing one of the most amazing parts of her talent, her live performance, for me to listen to at any time I chose.

Well, after a couple of listens to Between the Lines – Live at the Fillmore, I can definitely say that she has managed to capture something beautiful, and wholly Sara in this recording. If you close your eyes when you listen to this CD, you get what I really believe is as close to an experience of seeing her live as you possibly can without actually being there. The emotion, the talent, the fun; it’s all there. On this disc, she has delivered a brilliant live performance, and has provided fans with an album that she should be very proud of for making.

If you have seen Sara live, then you already know about the raw power she has in her vocals, and the sincerity that she portrays in her performance, and I am pleased to say that it is present on this recording. I am very impressed with this album, and I am extremely happy that it came out as well as it did. Having the accompanying DVD is definitely the best icing on an already amazing cake, and it makes it impossible for me to find anything negative to say about this release. This album/DVD set is a solid five out of five stars (), kids, so run out and pick it up today. This is definitely one of the best live performances I have ever heard recorded, and it has definitely made me think that there is hope for live albums after all.

concerts, hotness, is it just me?, mixed media, music musings, photography, venting, wtf?!

city and colour/tegan and sara @ the tabernacle 9-30-08

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On Tuesday night, James and I threw caution to the wind, and went out on a school night to see one of the most amazing acts that I have come across in a long time, City and Colour; as well as Tegan and Sara, whom he was opening for. In case I haven’t gotten you to listen to Dallas Green’s solo project, City and Colour before now, you must do yourself a favor; this guy is the real deal. Check this out:


Amazing. His set, albeit short, was amazing. His sound is so beautiful, and his voice literally makes me weak in the knees. I am so glad that he was on the Tegan and Sara tour, so that I could see him perform live. After his performance, James and me went to the merch booth, and picked up his CD in hopes that he would come out and we could meet him. James asked the merch guy (who was this hot tattooed from head to toe guy) if Dallas came out after the show, and he told James that he does, and usually just walks around… he told us to keep an eye out for the flanel. Well, about 15 minutes later, James and I spotted Dallas walking around the Tabernacle, and he was kind enough to pose for a couple of pictures, and sign autographs for us, and some other fans. It was kind of funny, really, because he seemed a bit overwhelmed, like he didn’t expect anyone to want to meet him or anything. He seemed like a really humble, and incredibly sweet guy. I was glad we met him and got autographs; I love meeting artists, and it is certainly great when they are as talented as Dallas.

After the meet and greet, we went back in and enjoyed Tegan and Sara for a while before heading home. I have to say, that I liked them before, but I am definitely more of a fan after seeing them live; they were cute and very good live. Overall, the concert was great, and while the first opening band Girl in a Coma, was not my cup of tea (the lead singer did this really creepy look with her eyes the whole time!), they were very good as well. It was a great night of music.

However…

While we were watching Girl in a Coma, and waiting for City and Colour to take the stage, this annoying fucking drunk bitch pushed her way up behind James and myself, and proceeded to shout everything she was thinking or feeling at the moment to her douchebag drunk boyfriend. It got to one point that they were fighting about her standing too close to some guy, and something about her cheating, and she was furious, and just shouting over City and Colour at that point. I literally turned around, and got about a foot from her face, and I put my finger over my mouth and loudly said, “SHHHHHH”, in her face. It shut her up for the moment, but it wasn’t long before both of those assholes were talking over the act again. Everyone around us was frustrated as well, because you could see people turning around to see what the fuck was up with these two who clearly had never heard of the word “tact”, and were fighting in the middle of a standing room only concert. The girl in front of me turned to them as asked them to be quiet, and they got uppity with her, and I turned around again, in both of their faces and yelled, “SHUT THE FUCK UP!”, to which the asshole boyfriend informed me he could do what he wanted. I told them to shut the fuck up, and go to the back if they wanted to fight, because I payed to see City and Colour, NOT to listen to them run their mouths. After that, I was literally shaking with anger; if that guy had of kept talking, I think I would have decked him. I don’t get mad very often, but when people act like they did, it really makes my blood boil; especially when I have paid to see something, and they are actively set on ruining it. Overall, I don’t know how people like that make it in life, because they were so fucking rude, I doubt they have any friends or do anything outside of their own selfish lives; being considerate is apparently not a trait learned by everyone. Needless to say, I let it get to me, which made me madder, but I couldn’t just stand there any let them ruin an otherwise amazing performance. If you watch this other video (below), you will also notice in it how you can hear people talking; which I just don’t get why people can’t shut up and listen to the act playing. So what if they are the opening act, they might be the one that someone next to you is there to here; show the respect that they deserve, and be courteous to your fellow concert goer, okay?!


I am glad we high tailed away from the couple from hell after City and Colour left the stage, because they started back up as soon as he was done. Assholes.

dallas green and meEither way, I got to meet Dallas (see here to the left, it’s me, and Dallas!), who was super nice, and all in all, I think that it was worth having to put up with inconsiderate assholes in order to see him and Tegan and Sara live. I really, really hope I never encounter people like that at another concert, because it really ruins the fun that you are supposed to have at a show, and has the potential to ruin an otherwise good night. Thank goodness we got away from them when we did, and I am just glad that I said something, because if I hadn’t, I would have been even more angry.

On a final photography related note, if you want to see the other photos that I took, be sure to check out the set on flickr.

concerts, friends, music musings

the presets/cut copy @ masquerade 9-27-08

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dance
Last night, we went to see The Presets and Cut Copy at the Masquerade. Both acts were amazing, and it was a fantastic show. I was more excited to see the Presets, because I have really been enjoying their record for many months now. They totally deliver live, and I was very pleased with their show. The lighting was especially amazing.

I wasn’t really that interested in Cut Copy initially, because for whatever reason, their record just hadn’t meshed with me, but I can say that after last night, I will be spending a little more time with it. They were great in their own right, even though they really didn’t harness the lighting to move the crowd as much as the Presets did. I did state several times during their act that they were much better than their record let on, however, so I was pleased to find them great in concert.

Both acts were fantastic, and the vibe at the Masquerade was awesome. People were dancing, and the floor was literally pulsating from the bodies and energy. It was a great concert, and a great night with friends.

concerts, flickr, happenings, hotness, listen up!, music musings, near and dear, photography, show the love

green tea heaven

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I have found it; today, I had the best green tea frozen yogurt I have ever tasted. After lunch at Doc Chey’s, my buddy Deb and I wandered over the Yoforia to sample the “Italian frozen yogurt”, and after a small sample of the green tea flavor, we eagerly decided that is what we should get. They offer lots of different types of toppings, but to be totally honest, this frozen yogurt is so amazing, that it didn’t need anything… but a spoon and a mouth to put it in.

After I finished what I am now dubbing the “best green tea ice cream I have ever had”, I really wanted more. I love this place, Yoforia, and I will definitely be requesting future trips for more of this delectable treat. Perhaps the best thing about the sinful treat, is that it is totally fat free (!!!!!), and, totally organic. Can we say LOVE??? Yeah, love is officially spelled Y-O-F-O-R-I-A today folks… I seriously am considering going back again later tonight!!! I also totally love the decor in this place, it is very futuristic, with lots of orange. I loved the orange counters and the glass tiles in the bathroom. I want them for my house.

Now I have to see how I can convince Deb to go there after lunch (or before!??!?!) again tomorrow!!! YUM!

On a totally unrelated note; I finally uploaded a bunch of my Sara Bareilles pictures. I must say, that I got some AMAZING shots, so please, do me a favor, and go and check them out. Let me know what you think; I had a great time photographing the show, and I am definitely loving my new camera! More to come!!

concerts, flickr, happenings, listen up!, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, near and dear, photography

welcome back, old friend!

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I had to take a detour on the way to work today, because of the unpredictable Atlanta traffic practically shutting down 85N. I was sitting still on the exit from 20E, and I thought, “self, let’s just go down to University, and then pop back up Boulevard”. Well, low and behold, during my little detour, I managed to get a moment of sheer joy; I saw an old friend that I haven’t seen in what seems like an eternity!

Mr. Fangs is BACK!!! Check it:
mr fangs

Now, I am pretty sure that these are new, because I have been down through this area before, and I haven’t seen them before. James also mentioned the two black ones as new, because he drives that way to work every day, and he remembers them showing up recently.

I had pretty much given up on ever seeing a new Mr. Fangs, and in a sheer moment of randomness, I found TEN (if you click on the above photo, you can go to my flickr and see the others)! Normally, I would hate graffiti, but this little guy is just so cute and really brings a smile to my face. Seriously, seeing Mr. Fangs made my day!!!

Also, just a note about the concert last night. Basically, it was amazing. Everything I expected. Sara was effortlessly amazing, and totally flawless in both her singing, and in her stage presence. My buddy Deb went with me, and admitted that she had a new appreciation for Sara after seeing her live, simply because of how amazing she is live. I think that is why I gush about her so much, because that is how I found out about her, and after seeing her several times, she never disappoints me in the least. I got to take my XSi with me to the show, and I took hundreds of pictures, all of which I have yet to sort through and get to editing for flickr. Stay tuned for that in the near future. To satiate your potential appetite for those photos, how about a little video of Sara singing Genie in a Bottle:


While it was extremely tiring to stand in place for over 4 hours, the show was magnificent. The opening acts, David Ford, and Rachel Yamagata were both amazing as well. Overall, it was a great concert experience, and is definitely one of the best shows I have ever seen. It was also really cool to finally meet fellow bloggers, Mark and Chad; even if it was only for like 5 minutes. Hopefully, I will get to hang out with them again in the future. Overall, it was a great and wonderful night.