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Archive for the ‘Venues’ Category

The Mountain Goats: Free at Noon (World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA, October 3, 2025)

Posted in Free at Noon, Philadelphia, PA, The Mountain Goats, World Cafe Live, WXPN 88.5 FM--Philadelphia, PA on October 3, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: October 3, 2025] The Mountain Goats

I have wanted to see The Mountain Goats for years–pretty much ever since my friend Andrew introduced me to them (with burnt CD copies of albums).  I finally got to see them this summer while playing with Guster and that was great.  I had no idea that the band had so much fun up there and I really enjoyed their set (as I figured I would).

So when they announced this Free at Noon, I jumped at the ticket.  Sure I had just seen them two months ago, but they were great and I wanted more!

I walked in and the usher suggested I sit in the ADA section.  I didn’t want to, as I like being closer, but the crowd was big and rather tall, so I grabbed a seat and happened to be right next to the very Andrew who introduced me to them.  It makes sense that he would be there (he said the same about me) and it was a fun surprise.

The band came out and started with one of my favorite Mountain Goats songs, The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton.  I cannot believe that the song is 25 years old!

I actually wondered how many different songs I’d hear compared to the summer’s set.  Well, it was mostly the same, but of the nine songs they played, there were three that they didn’t play this summer.

But, it was also really fun to know the other songs.  I had really enjoyed Bones Don’t Rust last time and I really really liked Broken to Begin With–a terrific song from the new album.

I really like seeing John Darnielle pogo during the instrumentals and bounce from one musician to the next smiling at the music they are playing–sometimes seeming maybe surprised by a move or another.

He explained that the new album is about a sinking ship (which he is on). Rocks in My Pockets is about it as is Great Pirates.  (more…)

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Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons (Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA, October 2, 2025)

Posted in Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Marian Anderson Hall, Philadelphia, PA, Stardew Valley, Verizon Hall on October 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: October 2, 2025] Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons

My wife is a big fan of Stardew Valley.  Last November, when this show was announced, I grabbed tickets pretty quickly and basically assumed the day would never come.

Back in 2017 my son and I went to this very venue (then called Verizon Hall) to see The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses.  We were really close to the stage which I don’t think was all that exciting for him.  or for me, really. So this time, my wife and I sat in  the balcony–straight back.

It was a great location as they played videos on the screen and we could see both the videos and the orchestra perfectly.  So what was this?

Curated by ConcernedApe, Symphony of Seasons features a 35-piece orchestra performing the most memorable music from the game, and a screen above the stage playing gameplay footage plus original content created exclusively for this tour.

Concert-goers can look forward to hearing the game’s most cherished songs as they watch their farm grow throughout the seasons and explore some of the valley’s most memorable locations, from Pelican Town to the Skull Cavern, Ginger Island to Calico Desert, the Submarine to the Wizard’s Tower and much more.

I have never played the game and have only caught glimpses and audio snippets around the house so while I knew the game I didn’t know any of the music.

The whole show was wonderful.  There was an opening video by ConcernedApe who told us that he made all of the music on his computer and how cool it was that there were actual people playing it now.

The video clips were largely from the game, but there were several videos of beautifully drawn scenes–the likes of which are not on the game.  My wife said it was amazing to see 3-D looking version of the  8 bit game.  It was also funny to hear people gasp when these scenes were projected or to laugh at the funny scenes in the game.  [There were four people behind us who felt compelled to talk and make each other laugh through the show, but whatever].  There was some cosplay and interesting merch. (more…)

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TWRP (Underground Arts, Philadelphia, PA, October 1, 2025)

Posted in LAPD, Los Angeles Power Disco, Philadelphia, PA, TWRP, Underground Arts on October 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: October 1, 2025] TWRP


My son and I saw TWRP open for Magic Sword back in 2023 and we loved them.  We saw them again when they headlined.  And they’re the reason I went to Ninja Sex Party (they opened the show and were NSP’s backing band).

And here they were playing Underground Arts!  They were originally supposed to play World Cafe Live but because of a shakeup at the venue, TWRP and several other bands abandoned WCL for other venues.  I love Underground Arts but I think WCL would have suited my purposes better (much better sight lines).

I arrived later than I intended and the place was packed.  So instead of being on the barrier, I was back a ways behind a whole bunch of tall people.  After the first two songs I moved back and off to the side.  Not the best view but better than what I had and I could see most of the band just fine.

The previous times that I’ve seen them, they were on pretty big stages, so it was interesting to see them crammed into the small UA stage.  But they did fine with it and I was pleased that Phobos the guitarist was always near the front of the stage so he wasn’t hidden by the big pole.

All of the fun aspects of TWRP were in place.  Dr Sung on his hoverboard, Dr Sung bragging about his awesomeness and the rest of the band keeping him in check.

This tour’s theme was a weekend camping trip.  There were leaves and things around the stage and the whole conceit that they were camping was on full display.

They opened with a new song (and a new chant: party party party party).  I haven’t listened to much of the new album.  They played 4 songs from it but they did not get rid of crowd faves like Bright Blue Sky (so much fun to sing along to) and of course Atomic Karate (even in this small area he was able to do his high kicks (baby) and use the nunchaku.

The segues into each song are always fun, like when he talks about all of the potential in the room as a warm up to Human Potential. (more…)

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LAPD [Los Angeles Power Disco] (Underground Arts, Philadelphia, PA, October 1, 2025) [TWRP]

Posted in LAPD, Los Angeles Power Disco, Philadelphia, PA, TWRP, Underground Arts on October 1, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: October 1, 2025] LAPD 

I was super excited for this show.  I wanted to get there early and get right up front for TWRP.  But I guess everyone else did too.  So I didn’t get a close spot at all.  I was annoyed by the people in front of me since they cut in at the least second and blocked about six shorter people.

The only consolation is that they were playing Weird Al as house music–which is a little weird since TWRP are funny, but aren’t comedy music.  But whatever, we all enjoyed it.

I’d never heard of Los Angeles Power Disco before this show.  The name was pretty funny (especially abbreviated LAPD).

The band came out on the tint stage and the trio crowded right up front.  There was a guitarist and a keyboard/bass/guitar player, and there was singer/guitarist Sarah Rayne.

Rayne had been in the band Cobra Man which played what they called Los Angeles Power Disco.  Then Cobra Man broke up very acrimoniously and Sarah took the name LAPD.

There was no drummer and honestly I don’t even know if the two guys on stage are part of LAPD or are touring musicians (LAPD has five songs out on Bandcamp, all released in 2025).

Sarah was dressed in a sequined unitard and was super interactive with the crowd.  I didn’t love the spot where I was (or the three tall people who jumped in front of us at the last second), so I couldn’t fully see what she was doing, but I know at one point she climbed on the barrier (holding hands with someone up front) and proceeded to high five and have people sing along to “Your. Time. To. Burn.” (more…)

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Doechii–All Things Go Music Festival [Day 3] (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD, September 28, 2025)

Posted in All Things Go, Almeda, Ashe, Columbia, MD, DJ Miss MIlan, DJO, Doechii, Griff, Jasmine 4.T, Kesha  , Lola Young, Marina, Maude LaTour, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Michelle, Molly Grace, Peach PRC, Rachel Chinouriri, Role Model, The Aces on September 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: September 28, 2025] Doechii-–All Things Go [Day 3]

Her stage was designed like an overgrown jungle.  A backdrop of trees and on the stage all kinds of greenery–trees and shrubs and platforms covered in green carpeting.  It looked great.

At long last Doechii came out on stage  She was wearing a gray blazer and crazy long white finger nails.

She stood on the tall platform and rapped her songs. I don’t know any of her songs and had no idea if she was doing one long song or (as was more likely and true) a whole bunch of short songs.

In between songs she hyped her DJ Miss Milan who hyped her back.  Doechii also showed off her moves, with wicked dancing.

Some of her beats were more fun for me than others.  I enjoyed Bitch I’m Nice, which had a great beat and interludes as well as fun interjections from her DJ Miss Milan.  Miss MIlan made me laugh because it seemed like she was primarily a hype person–“make some noise!”; “it’s Doechii!!”

There was quite a reaction for NISSAN ALTIMA.  Her platform lowered and she climbed down to stage level.  She took off her blazer and revealed a gray one-piece, which allowed her to shake her ass even more.

They played a sample of America Has a Problem (by Beyonce) and Doechii asked if she could freestyle (yes, she can).

Doechii then left the stage (I know it’s part of the act, but I couldn’t believe she left after ten minutes) and DJ Miss Milan took over getting hands in the air and asking if we had a good time.  Doechii came back pretty quickly–I assume to drop off her blazer–and returned for Alter Ego.  This one was a real banger. (more…)

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Ashe–All Things Go Music Festival [Day 3] (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD, September 28, 2025)

Posted in All Things Go, Almeda, Ashe, Columbia, MD, DJO, Doechii, Finneas, Griff, Jasmine 4.T, Kesha  , Lola Young, Marina, Maude LaTour, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Michelle, Molly Grace, Peach PRC, Rachel Chinouriri, Role Model, The Aces, The Favors on September 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: September 28, 2025] Ashe-–All Things Go [Day 3]

I had not  heard of Ashe either (apparently I was the only one who hadn’t).  She has put out several albums and has worked with some pretty major people (see below).

I was amused to discover that her album titles are her full name: Ashlyn, Rae, and  Willson.  What will she do next?

I really enjoyed her set and would happily see her again.  I need to check out her full albums.

Another Man’s Jeans sounded a bit like Sheryl Crowe–a jangly pop song with an oooooh bridge.

It segued right into Angry Woman with some really funny lyrics

Nobody likes an angry woman/I always say the things that I shouldn’t/Oh what a shame my tongue’s not tied/You can do whatever you want/I’ll do whatever I like.

It also had some really rocking guitars which I rather liked.  Emma Harvey played some killer solos.

When she sang The Little Mess You Made, someone handed her a present.  And someone else handed her a sash that read “Ashe things Go.”   Which she put on backwards (twice) before getting it right.  Turns out The Favors is a band that she formed with Billie Eilish’s brother Finneas, which  is why it is so damned catchy.  Apparently it came out last week. (more…)

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Rachel Chinouriri–All Things Go Music Festival [Day 3] (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD, September 28, 2025)

Posted in All Things Go, Almeda, Ashe, Columbia, MD, DJO, Doechii, Griff, Jasmine 4.T, Kesha  , Lola Young, Marina, Maude LaTour, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Michelle, Molly Grace, Peach PRC, Rachel Chinouriri, Role Model, The Aces on September 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: September 28, 2025] Rachel Chinouriri-–All Things Go [Day 3]

I had enjoyed Ashe and was really curious what Rachel Chinouriri would be like.  I hadn’t heard of her either, but I liked her style immediately.

She put has a lot of videos behind her–presumably ones for her music videos.

Her band was great–I really liked her lead guitarist.

The loud and quiet transitions in Cold Call were great.

I loved the whistle melody of It Is What It Is.  She had a really funny and enjoyable video that played behind her as she sang.  It was great.

A lot of people seemed to know her songs and sing along–plenty of hand waving during the chorus of 23:42.  She seemed really appreciative of her audience–both the fans who knew her and the brand new fans.  (more…)

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Peach PRC–All Things Go Music Festival [Day 3] (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD, September 28, 2025)

Posted in All Things Go, Almeda, Ashe, Columbia, MD, DJO, Doechii, Griff, Jasmine 4.T, Kesha  , Lola Young, Marina, Maude LaTour, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Michelle, Molly Grace, Peach PRC, Rachel Chinouriri, Role Model, The Aces on September 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: September 28, 2025] Peach PRC-–All Things Go [Day 3]

After Alemeda, Peach PRC came out.

I had never heard of her.  Obviously, I knew about the rapper Peaches, but this was not her.  I also didn’t understand what the PRC was all about.  (It’s an abbreviation for Porcelain which she felt was too long to type out on social media, huh).

She’s an Australian pop singer and I’m kind of blown away how many Australians play this festival (and how popular so many Australian bands are here…  I’m delighted).

So Peach PRC is a pure pop singer.  She was on stage with just her and a guitarist–the rest of the music was on backing tracks.  And her guitarist shredded like crazy–tons of energy, bouncing around–a perfect complement. (more…)

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All Things Go Music Festival [Day 3] (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD, September 28, 2025)

Posted in All Things Go, Almeda, Ashe, Columbia, MD, DJO, Doechii, Griff, Jasmine 4.T, Kesha  , Lola Young, Marina, Maude LaTour, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Michelle, Molly Grace, Peach PRC, Rachel Chinouriri, Role Model, The Aces on September 28, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: September 28, 2025] All Things Go [Day 3]

And we woke up for Day 3.  A nice perk is that the hotel is next to a Royal Farms so I grabbed some fried chicken and their weird Chicken Palooza shirts (on sale for $5 since the Palooza was over).

This day proved to be very confusing because things were shuffled around.

Lola Young was supposed to perform but she got sick the day before and couldn’t make it (this was devastating to me as she was  the main person I wanted to see today).  And they switched where the final acts were going to perform.  DJO was supposed to play just before Kesha at the Pavilion stage and Doechii was supposed to headline the smaller stage.  They switched those two (I’m not sure who benefitted from that more).  But we didn’t find any of that out until we were there.

We headed over to the venue relatively early because we had to check out of the hotel.  I wanted to see Jasmine 4.T  because they opened for Lucy Dacus when we saw them but we arrived too late and missed their whole set.  So, typical, we arrived near the end of the 20 minute set today too.

They were playing at the Chrysalis Stage and it was really hot.  But some nice women shared their picnic tale with us (which was in the shade!) and we enjoyed watching the bands from there.

So we missed Molly Grace entirely since she was on the other stage.  As we were making plans for how to handle the rest of the day, they announced that Lola wouldn’t be there.  Some bands were moved to different stages and they announced that Doechii would be on the Pavilion Stage rather than the Chrysalis Stage.  My daughter was here for Doechii and we had pretty much planned to stay at the Chrysalis Stage all day to see her.  So that changed things too.

We stayed at Chrysalis stage to watch Peach PRC (who was famous for having a stripper pole as part of her set) and then we moseyed about getting food and checking merch and we grabbed some seats in the Pavilion just before Ashe came on.

I enjoyed how hard Maude LaTour rocked, but we did watch the videos of Griff and Marina.  And at our stage we saw Rachel Chinouriri and Role Model before Doechii came on. (more…)

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Lucy Dacus–All Things Go Music Festival [Day 2] (Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia, MD, September 27, 2025)

Posted in All Things Go, Bartees Strange, Carol Ades, Clairo, Columbia, MD, Faye Webster, G Flip, Gigi Perez, Hazlett, Hey, Nothing, Hippo Campus, Katie Gavin, Lucy Dacus, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Orion Sun, Paris Paloma, The Backseat Lovers, Wallows, Wild Rivers, Zinadelphia on September 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

[ATTENDED: September 27, 2025] Lucy Dacus 

My daughter and I saw Lucy Dacus on the first night of this tour back in April in Philadelphia.  Now, this was officially the last night of the U.S. tour (she did play other shows this year but not in the same way).  I had certainly never seen anyone on the first and final nights of a tour, and it was fascinating to see how much the show had morphed over the five months.  The set was the same, but the setlist was different.  It was shorter (festival timing rather than solo timing) but she also made some changes to what she played.

And the biggest difference was that she had a string quartet playing with her for many of the songs.

My daughter and I rushed  to the barricade to get right up close to Lucy and were then shocked that the pit remained largely empty.   It wasn’t that people weren’t into her–they were.  And the lawn was massively full.  I guess no one wanted to give up their seats after the long day?

Anyway we were right on the barrier, but pretty far to the right.  So when the quartet sat down, they basically blocked our view of the rest of the stage.  My daughter wandered around the pit (it was that empty) for a better view but determined that there wasn’t a better spot.  [Although having seen her photos, I think straight on was a much better spot].

The set was the same–a gigantic backdrop designed to look like a museum wall.  There were picture frames and columns and it looked amazing.  Although from our location off to the side, you could see the video screens that projected the mages.  Obviously we knew there were video screens, but the illusion was somewhat lost because the images were skewed a bit.

So the show opened the same way except that the Calliope Prelude had the quartet playing (instead of it being projected).  And the quartet stayed on stage for the first few songs.  Like in April, the first song was Hot & Heavy, which is a fun way to get the crowd excited.  She followed it with her biggest new single Ankles. (more…)

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