Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Boot & Saddle’ Category

Strand of Oaks [Winter Classic VIII/IX] / Pat Finnerty (Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA, December 15 & 16, 2023) [DID NOT ATTEND]

Posted in Boot & Saddle, Johnny Brenda's, Pat Finnerty, Philadelphia, PA, Strand of Oaks on December 15, 2023| Leave a Comment »

[DID NOT ATTEND: December 15 & 16, 2023] Strand of Oaks / Pat Finnerty

I had every intention of going to this Winter Classic.  I even had a ticket to night one.  Which I bought very specifically because I had a ticket to another show on Saturday night.  Then at about 3PM on Friday the 15th, I realized that my other show was actually tonight!

And my wife and I were going to that show together.

And the Saturday night show sold out a long time ago.  Sigh.

By my calculations, this should be Winter Classic XIII, but the poster says IX, so I’ll trust he’s right.  And I’ll make sure I’m there for Number 10.

~~~~~~~~

In 2015, Timothy Showalter played his first Strand of Oaks Winter Classic at Boot and Saddle.

Every year since then he has played two to four shows around Christmas time to a small but rabid fan base.  Obviously he didn’t pay one in 2020.  And now Boot & Saddle is closed

I have been to three of these fun winter events.

When he announced December shows at Johnny Brenda’s, it just didn’t occur to me that these would be Winter Classic shows.  I’m not sure why it would have made a difference, but had I realized, I would have gotten a ticket before they sold out.  Even S said, you love those, I can’t believe you didn’t go.

When I’m looking for it now I see that it was clearly stated that this was a Winter Classic, but I guess I was looking in the wrong places. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Strand of Oaks [Winter Classic VII] / Pat Finnerty (Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA, December 9 & 10, 2022) [DID NOT ATTEND]

Posted in Boot & Saddle, Johnny Brenda's, Pat Finnerty, Philadelphia, PA, Strand of Oaks on December 9, 2022| Leave a Comment »

[DID NOT ATTEND: December 9 & 10, 2022] Strand of Oaks / Pat Finnerty

Somehow I missed that this show happened and only found out about it tonight in 2023.

It was the same dates, Dec 9 and 10, although on Fri and Sat.  Pat Finnerty opened both nights.

I have no idea how I missed it so completely.

There’s some clips on you tube from these shows.  Here’s one

~~~~

In 2015, Timothy Showalter played his first Strand of Oaks Winter Classic at Boot and Saddle.

Every year since then he has played two to four shows around Christmas time to a small but rabid fan base.  Obviously he didn’t pay one in 2020.  And now Boot & Saddle is closed

I have been to three of these fun winter events.

When he announced December shows at Johnny Brenda’s, it just didn’t occur to me that these would be Winter Classic shows.  I’m not sure why it would have made a difference, but had I realized, I would have gotten a ticket before they sold out.  Even S said, you love those, I can’t believe you didn’t go.

When I’m looking for it now I see that it was clearly stated that this was a Winter Classic, but I guess I was looking in the wrong places. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Holy Fuck / Penelope Isles / John Deluxe (Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia, PA, August 13, 2022) [DID NOT ATTEND]

Posted in Boot & Saddle, Holy Fuck, John Deluxe, Kung Fu Necktie, Penelope Isles, Philadelphia, PA on August 26, 2022| Leave a Comment »

[DID NOT ATTEND: August 13, 2022] Holy Fuck / Penelope Isles / John Deluxe (rescheduled from June 10, 2020, February 16, 2021 and April 3, 2022]

After all of these postponements, I can’t believe I had to miss this show.  I don’t know if I mis-read the original rescheduled date or what, but I thought it was the 18th.  Turns out it was the 13th.

Well we went on vacation on the 14th, so I didn’t want to be out all night the night before our trip.  We were also away for the 18th, so the date really didn’t matter.

Penelope Isles is a duo from England.  The first song I heard on their record was kind of icy synth pop.  But the first track is fuzzy jangle guitar.  They’re kind of all over the place, but with a gentle vibe.

John Deluxe: wasn’t listed on the poster, but his name appeared on the venue website.

John “Deluxe” Markowski is a guitarist/vocalist based out of Philadelphia who uses samples and a variety of acoustic instruments to create unique avant-pop songs.

I didn’t like his stuff that much.

Both bands make Holy Fuck seem more mellow than they are.

~~~~~~

The resurgence of COVID meant Holy Fuck postponed their tour one more time.  I was bummed about this one because I didn’t have too many shows around this time.  But the new date is in a crowded field of shows

~~~~~~~

 

Not only did Holy Fuck cancel this tour, Boot & Saddle closed its doors.   Mega cancelled.

~~~

After seeing that this show was postponed, it gave me an opportunity to explore their music. I was now looking forward to seeing them in the new year.  Well, I guess February is still too soon to plan anything, so this tour has also been cancelled.

Holy Fuck have a great name that pretty much guarantees they won’t get much in the way of airplay or advertising.

Of course their music isn’t super commercial either–although it can be quite catchy (and has been used in a bunch of soundtracks).  They play an electronic dance music but in a decidedly old-school fashion.  They don’t use laptops at all, employing all manner of old school equipment. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Holy Fuck (Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia, PA, April 3, 2022) [POSTPONED]

Posted in Boot & Saddle, Cancelled, Coronavirus, Holy Fuck, Philadelphia, PA, Postponed, Quarantine on April 3, 2022| Leave a Comment »

[POSTPONED: April 3, 2022] Holy Fuck (rescheduled from June 10, 2020 and February 16, 2021; moved to August 13, 2022]

The resurgence of COVID meant Holy Fuck postponed their tour one more time.  I was bummed about this one because I didn’t have too many shows around this time.  But the new date is in a crowded field of shows

~~~~~~~

Not only did Holy Fuck cancel this tour, Boot & Saddle closed its doors.   Mega cancelled.

~~~

After seeing that this show was postponed, it gave me an opportunity to explore their music. I was now looking forward to seeing them in the new year.  Well, I guess February is still too soon to plan anything, so this tour has also been cancelled.

Holy Fuck have a great name that pretty much guarantees they won’t get much in the way of airplay or advertising.

Of course their music isn’t super commercial either–although it can be quite catchy (and has been used in a bunch of soundtracks).  They play an electronic dance music but in a decidedly old-school fashion.  They don’t use laptops at all, employing all manner of old school equipment. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Strand of Oaks [Winter Classic VI] / Pat Finnerty (Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA, December 9 & 10, 2021) [DID NOT ATTEND]

Posted in Boot & Saddle, Full show video, Johnny Brenda's, Pat Finnerty, Philadelphia, PA, Strand of Oaks on December 9, 2021| Leave a Comment »

[DID NOT ATTEND: December 9 & 10, 2021] Strand of Oaks / Pat Finnerty

In 2015, Timothy Showalter played his first Strand of Oaks Winter Classic at Boot and Saddle.

Every year since then he has played two to four shows around Christmas time to a small but rabid fan base.  Obviously he didn’t pay one in 2020.  And now Boot & Saddle is closed

I have been to three of these fun winter events.

When he announced December shows at Johnny Brenda’s, it just didn’t occur to me that these would be Winter Classic shows.  I’m not sure why it would have made a difference, but had I realized, I would have gotten a ticket before they sold out.  Even S said, you love those, I can’t believe you didn’t go.

When I’m looking for it now I see that it was clearly stated that this was a Winter Classic, but I guess I was looking in the wrong places. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Holy Fuck (Boot & Saddle, Philadelphia, PA, February 16, 2021) [rescheduled date CANCELLED]

Posted in Boot & Saddle, Cancelled, Coronavirus, Holy Fuck, Philadelphia, PA, Postponed, Quarantine on February 16, 2021| Leave a Comment »

[CANCELLED: February 16, 2021] Holy Fuck (rescheduled from June 10, 2020]

indexNot only did Holy Fuck cancel this tour, Boot & Saddle closed its doors.   Mega cancelled.

~~~

After seeing that this show was postponed, it gave me an opportunity to explore their music. I was now looking forward to seeing them in the new year.  Well, I guess February is still too soon to plan anything, so this tour has also been cancelled.

Holy Fuck have a great name that pretty much guarantees they won’t get much in the way of airplay or advertising.

Of course their music isn’t super commercial either–although it can be quite catchy (and has been used in a bunch of soundtracks).  They play an electronic dance music but in a decidedly old-school fashion.  They don’t use laptops at all, employing all manner of old school equipment. (more…)

Read Full Post »

Boot & Saddle R.I.P. (2020)

Posted in Boot & Saddle, Philadelphia, PA, Union Transfer on November 10, 2020| Leave a Comment »

[CLOSED: November 11, 2020] Boot & Saddle

COVID-19 has officially closed one of my favorite clubs of all time.  I hoped beyond all reason that all of my favorite clubs could weather this storm.  And hope in the back of my mind that they are able to resurrect it somehow if this Pfizer vaccine comes to fruition.

The official word:

After seven years and 1,500+ shows, we are now forced to close Boot & Saddle.

With Covid-19 cases back on the rise in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and around the country, the thought of having 200 people standing shoulder-to-shoulder in our small indoor bar early next year has faded. After eight months without a show, and without a clear reopening date in sight, we no longer have the luxury of paying the bills and expenses for two closed venues. And so, we have made the difficult decision to close Boot & Saddle for good. We hope that this decision will assure that our sister venue, Union Transfer, can survive well into 2021.

We sincerely appreciate all the support over the years. From everyone who saw a show, had a drink, or played on our stage. We are proud of having provided a stage on which local Philadelphia artists can develop and grow alongside national and international touring acts.

It has been a fun and enjoyable experience from start to finish: transforming an old country & western bar, which was shuttered for eighteen years, into a bustling, live music venue with its iconic neon sign lighting up Broad Street. Boot & Saddle was where the likes of Lizzo and Sam Smith made their Philadelphia debuts. It is also where legendary icons like Thurston Moore and Psychic TV performed for intimate crowds. Where gigantic local bands like The War on Drugs, Circa Survive, and The Menzingers played unforgettable, secret shows. We like to think that over the last few years we helped contribute to the best music scene in the United States.

None of this would have been possible without all the hard work of our entire staff, past and present, especially Gina, Andy, and both Jeffs, who did an incredible job in making South Philadelphia’s first music venue in 30+ years into an incredible success.

In memoriam, we will be creating an R.I.P. Boot & Saddle Benefit T-shirt, if you feel inclined to support the venue one last time. Portions of the proceeds will go towards continuing to pay our full time staff’s health care during the pandemic, as well as keeping the lights on at Union Transfer (for which we very much intend to not have to make an R.I.P. Union Transfer Benefit T-shirt). Check our social media channels in the coming days for that!

We would like to take this final opportunity to remind everyone that local independent venues in our city and across the country are in grave danger. Live Music Venues were the first businesses to close and they will be the last to re-open. As other restaurants, bars and stadiums begin to re-open, our doors remain shut. We cannot sell you a contactless takeout or curbside delivery concert. Without some form of assistance, our local music scene right here in Philly, along with countless others across the country, may collapse. We will keep our socials active, so that we can from time to time pass along news and actions that you can take, to help ensure that the remaining venues in Philly stay open.

For the next week, we will keep the neon lights on at Broad Street to remind everyone of what was. Grab a pic while you can and tag us.

Thank you for the memories, and we hope to see you at Union Transfer.

– xo B&S

Here’s the shows I’ve seen there [with many more planned for 2020/2021, sigh]

11/7/2016 Dilly Dally
11/7/2016 Marge
11/7/2016 Palm
12/4/2016 Jason Anderson
12/4/2016 Strand of Oaks Winter Classic II
5/10/2017 Family Crest
5/10/2017 Oh Bree
9/28/2017 Torres
9/28/2017 Aphra
3/8/2018  Jessica Lea Mayfield
3/8/2018 Mal Blum and the Blums
3/12/2018 Active Bird Community
3/12/2018 We Were Promised Jetpacks
5/9/2018 Sloan
7/26/2018 Japandroids
7/26/2018 Mannequin Pussy
12/7/2018 Strand of Oaks Winter Classic IV
12/7/2018 Carl Broemel
12/7/2018 Joe Pug
2/1/2019 claud
2/1/2019 SOAK.
4/15/2019 Big Heet
4/15/2019 Gurr
4/15/2019 Priests
5/10/2019 Kevin Devine
5/10/2019 John K. Samson
5/10/2019 Shannon Moser
6/5/2019 Ages and Ages
11/18/2019 Blushing
11/18/2019 Lovelorn
11/18/2019 Ringo Deathstarr
12/12/2019 Strand of Oaks Winter Classic V
12/12/2019  Mike “Slo-Mo” Brenner
2/7/2020 Garcia Peoples
2/7/2020 Suffacox Mach 2
2/21/2020 Sloan: Navy Blues tour

Read Full Post »

Sheer Mag / Young Guv (Boot & Saddle, Philadelphia, PA, August 20, 2020) [rescheduled date–CANCELLED]

Posted in Boot & Saddle, Cancelled, Coronavirus, Fucked Up, Philadelphia, PA, Postponed, Quarantine, Sheer Mag, Young Guv on August 20, 2020| Leave a Comment »

[POSTPONED CANCELLED: August 20, 2020] Sheer Mag / Young Guv [rescheduled from May 15]

indexUPDATE: I’m not technically sure what the difference is between a postponed and a cancelled show in this time of COVID.  This show was changed from postponed to cancelled on October 19.  I assume that Sheer Mag will be back at Boot & Saddle one day, maybe it’s just a technicality for their books.

Who would have guessed back in may that a show postponed to August would get postponed again?  Well, the CDC I suppose.

Since Sheer Mag is a Philly band, they will be back.  But I was looking forward to seeing Young Guv.  Hope he gets to come along next time.

I saw Sheer Mag a couple of years ago and found their set to be fun and energetic.  I haven’t gotten any of their music because they refuse to put anything out as a CD.

Their sound is so strangely old school rock that it’s hard for me to believe they are a new band made up of young musicians.

I didn’t think I’d need to see them again, but it’s always fun to see bands at Boot & Saddle, especially with a home town crowd.  They have rescheduled for two dates in the fall and fortunately my ticket will be applied to the night I am free.

Young Guv is Ben Cook, the guitarist for Fucked Up.  I had no idea what kind of music Young Guv made, but what I imagined turned out to be nothing like what it actually is.

Young Guv’s music is poppy and light in an indie rock sorta way. It’s really catchy, too.  I’m looking forward to seeing him again.

Read Full Post »

Porridge Radio (Boot & Saddle, Philadelphia, PA, August 7, 2020) [POSTPONED]

Posted in Boot & Saddle, Coronavirus, Philadelphia, PA, Porridge Radio, Postponed, Quarantine on August 7, 2020| Leave a Comment »

[POSTPONED: August 7, 2020] Porridge Radio

indexI heard about Porridge Radio from NPR.  They are exactly the kind of weirdo post-punk British band that I love and would never hear anywhere on the radio.

Singer Dana Margolin is more of a talker than a singer.  Her accent is thick and her intensity is palpable.  The band mixes melody and noise in an unexpected way.  And of course there’s “the growing legend of their intense live shows.”

This show promised to be about twenty people (which technically would have been okay for a legal small gathering) and it would have been fantastic.

I hope they can make it back.

Read Full Post »

Sparta / Emily Davis and The Murder Police (Boot & Saddle, Philadelphia, PA, July 18 & 19, 2020) [rescheduled dates–CANCELLED]

Posted in ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, At The Drive-In, Boot & Saddle, Cancelled, Coronavirus, Emily Davis and The Murder Police, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Philadelphia, PA, Quarantine, Sparta, The Mars Volta on July 18, 2020| Leave a Comment »

[CANCELLED: JULY 18 & 19, 2020] Sparta / Emily Davis and The Murder Police [rescheduled from May 1& 2]

indexWhen At the Drive-In broke up, they split into two bands: The Mars Volta and Sparta.  The Mars Volta went in a wild, psychedelic/prog metal direction and Sparta maintained a more tradition heavy rock sound.

I enjoyed the first Sparta albums but I hadn’t heard anything recently.  I considered going to this show because I’d heard they were really good live.

Emily Davis and The Murder Police [EDMP] are an alt-folk-punk band living in the desert southwest with an affinity for writing aggressive, introspective music.  I’ve listened to a few songs and I like what I heard–I feel they are a bit more folk-leaning, but there is a punk edge.

These newly rescheduled dates wound up conflicting with a Ministry show on the 18th.  I probably wouldn’t have had the energy for this show, so maybe when they come around again, I’ll be free.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »