Grizzly Bear Ventures Out of the Woods 

Though frontman Ed Droste has called Los Angeles home for years now, Grizzly Bear as a band never considered this city their ‘base.’ But each member has lived in LA at some point in their lives. So, “[t]his is kind of a hometown show for all of us,” declared Daniel Rossen…or maybe it was Ed. Admittedly my notes from their recent show at the Shrine … Continue reading Grizzly Bear Ventures Out of the Woods 

white musician with short curly hair, wearing a shiny garment

A Whirlwind with Photay and Maral

If I didn’t know better I wouldn’t have noticed that the theater at 2220 Beverly in Westlake was under new management. Last I heard, the Bootleg had closed during the pandemic, and that area of Beverly Blvd is fairly quiet. Brooklyn Bagels faces the venue and defunct businesses dot around them in a largely residential area. There are just enough streetlights to cast disquieting shadows … Continue reading A Whirlwind with Photay and Maral

Laraaji, Sonic Preacher, Performs a Sermon Like No Other

Ambient Church has always been an aspirational ticket that I hoped to one day purchase. Its price point is high and the venues are not typical—real-life, grandiose houses of worship. I also couldn’t be sure what kind of event it really was, though of course it varies by the guest of honor. Or so I’d imagine, this was my first time after all. And I … Continue reading Laraaji, Sonic Preacher, Performs a Sermon Like No Other

Hotel Cafe Joins UnCancelled Music Fest Featuring Madison Malone, MILCK, Rett Madison + More

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  The music industry and especially local, independent scenes have been badly wounded in the wake of the mandatory venue closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Live streaming has been an easy stopgap to reaching fans and soothing some understandable anxiety with music, but it doesn’t quite make up for tour cancellations. Now venues are able to set a lineup on … Continue reading Hotel Cafe Joins UnCancelled Music Fest Featuring Madison Malone, MILCK, Rett Madison + More

Julia Jacklin and Christian Lee Hutson Brought Their Tour to a Bittersweet End at the El Rey

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Photos by María Quintana. For the past few weeks, Julia Jacklin and Christian Lee Hutson have been living like Peaches and Herb. The pair first met at Jacklin’s 2017 Bootleg performance, where Hutson opened for the Australian songwriter. They became fast friends and have made the most of their time together again on her North American tour, sharing stages, goofing off, … Continue reading Julia Jacklin and Christian Lee Hutson Brought Their Tour to a Bittersweet End at the El Rey

Aldous Harding and Hand Habits Weaponized Restraint at Sold-Out Lodge Room Performance

Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Photo by me. The streets were lined with costumes and club attire on this pre-Halloween weekend; fans sported a mix of both as they filed into the Lodge Room this past Saturday to witness the final night of Aldous Harding’s LA tour stop. The show sold out over a month in advance, prompting a second be added for the previous … Continue reading Aldous Harding and Hand Habits Weaponized Restraint at Sold-Out Lodge Room Performance

First Annual Future Sounds Festival Celebrates Soul at the Historic Baker Street Viaduct

CAPYAC (foreground). Photo by Hernan Sanchez. Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  The Viaduct is one of the oldest thoroughfares in the city, with a long history, especially relative to LA’s short memory. It is practically a living venue, constantly changing moods as the sun sets and as the energy of the crowd grows. The Metro zipped by throughout the night, which was just another indication … Continue reading First Annual Future Sounds Festival Celebrates Soul at the Historic Baker Street Viaduct

Loma Gripped Audiences at the Bootleg, Supported by Jess Williamson

sngshows: Originally appeared on Grimy Goods. Words by me, photos by Laura Pasek.  Loma came out with another five-piece touring band for their set, this time led by Emily Cross of Cross Record. (Her partner in that project, Dan Duszynski, is also in Loma.) She had on an all-white ensemble, intending to catch the light of the tubes laying across the floor of the stage. … Continue reading Loma Gripped Audiences at the Bootleg, Supported by Jess Williamson

Laughing Along with Caroline Rose at her Sold-Out LA Show

sngshows: Photo credit: CJ Harvey Originally appeared on Grimy Goods.  Caroline Rose is a comedian. If you’ve heard her new record, LONER, you know she takes pleasure in poking fun at other people and society in general. She is a goofy satirist with surprisingly deep sentiment, and her live performance only contributed to her appeal. Her sold out show at the Moroccan Lounge supported by … Continue reading Laughing Along with Caroline Rose at her Sold-Out LA Show