My first ska show since Streetlight Manifesto and what a return it was!
The first band was Lost Cat, a ska band formed when one of the current members was 14, making a comeback last night. Right off the bat people were moshing and skanking (or ska dancing as one of the members called it). No recorded songs exist online or anywhere but after the response from last night there’s consideration to do so. I hope they decide to. My partner also commented that people will skank to anything (very true but also not a knock on the music).
The second band was another first performance, another local Pittsburgh band called Wasted Space. While emo isn’t my usual cup of tea, its really nice seeing it through the lens of young queer people. While the performance was great, it was equally as wonderful to see friends and family out in support of the young band, bringing out the energy of the crowd even more, a community come together in support.
Third on was Magic Gherlin from New Jersey. Another emo band, they also had some great tunes, but honestly it was hard for me to focus because Brittany Luna (of Catbite) stood next to me for most of the set and I was very busy trying to remember how to act like a normal human being.
And then there was Catbite. I have been looking forward to this show since I first started listening to them. When the tour was announced I got my tickets so fast, so happy it was gonna be at the Roboto. And the wait was so worth it. I don’t think I’ve danced that much in my entire life. The whole crowd was moving, the emo kids bouncing along with the group of skanking rudies. No one was immune to the sweet sweet songs of this Philly ska band. It’s nights like last night that remind me of every reason why I love ska and the community that surrounds it. Last night also reinforced how happy I am that it’s bands like Catbite leading the genre into the future. They truly are a special band not just to me but I think ska as a whole. While I hope someday they get to headline bigger venues, I will always cherish having been able to see them somewhere as intimate as our own Roboto. Thanks for the great night Catbite! Hope we see you soon!
Country is, until recently, something that has been very out of my depth. I think like a lot of people like me, Orville Peck has been the stepping stone to getting more into the genre. So this was my first official country show.
The opener, Dale Hollow and the Long Con, dripped with charisma. Love, money, alien abductions, and audience banter. Dale quipped and talked about his (patent pending) country music superstardom while the Long Con played and danced around him. I couldn’t think of a better opener for Peck (though admittedly my scope is limited).
And Peck himself was dazzling. Talking and singing, his voice was like butter, charming and suave and stylish. Even with an incredible backing band, all eyes were on him as he hit every note to perfection. The energy was electric, everyone dancing to the faster songs, swaying to the slow ones, and of course everyone singing along to every word. Even at one point a group of drunken jagoffs started a tiny mosh pit, something I had been joking of earlier that night because it seemed like the most ridiculous thing that could’ve ever happened. But that’s the power of Orville Peck. And admittedly I did join in (mainly just to get a few shoves at the jags who talked loudly the whole show). After a slew of songs from Pony, Show Pony, and a Righteous Brothers cover, Orville and his band big everyone goodnight. I think the cheering to get him to encore was louder than all the music that night. His final song of the night was a cover of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, of course garnering such an uproar from a majority queer audience, including my transgender ass. All in all, a fantastic performance form Peck and I hope he makes a return to the Burgh very soon.
This blog will finally be making its comeback after so long! Anticipate a new, current post on Saturday/Sunday! I’m excited to be getting back to and documenting some of the stuff I love most
Who knew in 2019 id be making this blog a few months before a complete lockdown. I plan on reaching into the archive of my phone to try and post photos from shows I went to before the creation of this blog!
This is a very very late post I kept forgetting to make! First post on this blog for the new year is a show from last year go figure. But Renata is too important to just not post about.
This was my second time seeing her, both times she has been the opener. But she is absolutely worth seeing, even if she’s just the opener. Her songs seem so delicate and fragile until you get to the breakdown with an instrumental so heavy it will weigh on your brain for the months to come. She also has the most impressive range I’ve seen, floating high notes in Wayside that send you instantly to heaven. The dreamy surf beats and heavy riffs were enough to get the audience vibing and left breathless. She played a few new songs from an upcoming album set to release this summer, leaving me in suspended anticipation to hear her new material.Â
And a little side note, she is a very sweet and easygoing human. We talked with her a bit at the merch table (that had shirts designed and made by her) where we bonded over her music and current stop motion animation projects. I hope soon we get to see her shine in her own headline tour, but for now all I can do is wait for the new album!
This post is a little late and a little unconventional for this blog.Â
For starters, I was far from home. I had found myself in Burbank for an animation convention and managed to make my way to LA to check out the local punk scene.Â
And the LA punks did NOT let me down in the slightest.Â
My getting into the venue was interesting. The Smell’s entrance is in an ally which I didn’t know about until 10 minutes after I was standing in front of the very back of the place waiting for doors to open. Rookie mistake I bet.Â
The show was a lot more than just the bands too. The first person to take the stage was Braxton. He talked about his time in the punk and metal scene as a black man and all of the racism that he faced and still faces. It’s a very important perspective to keep in mind. Punk is hailed as something inclusive and has had many incredible and iconic black musicians to rise to popularity in the scene, however a majority of punk and metal is still incredibly white. It was a lot to think about, especially coming from a scene myself where I’m mainly surrounded by white men. I was lucky enough to talk to Braxton too before I left, he was super down to earth and chill and I hightly recommend his hardcore band, Shred Bundy.
The next act was the first band up, Happy House. To my absolute delight, the mosh pit started almost instantly (Braxton actually shoved me right into the pit getting everything started. What a dude.). Happy House went hard as hell and made my heart so happy that someone so cute with cherries in their hair can get up on stage and absolutely fuck it up. Not that appearances matter, but I’m still so used to mediocre 30+ year old white guys it was so refreshing to see someone of that caliber up there.
The next speaker was J, a non binary Asian sex worker. They were giving tips on how to stay safe in the world of online sex work as well as how to get started. A big conversation was what sites to go on for work, how to protect your identity, and most of all make sure you’re getting paid right for your services. Another big point they made was how much less work/retweets you will get a someone who’s non-white with a different body type in the industry.Â
The next band up was Garbitch. They brought it all to the stage. The head vocalist had a pink dildo on them at the beginning of their set and I just knew it was gonna be magical. They threw out plastic pig masks into the crowd and encouraged us to wear and destroy them to our hearts content as they sang a song about beating up cops. There were also a lot of teens present in the audience. The vocalist called them out, happy that their message is reaching and influencing the younger generation. One of the teens even asked me and some others to help her crowd surf. Near the end of their set, in the spirit of the classic riot grrrl movement, Garbitch made a call for all non-binary and trans people to come to the front. It was in that second that I felt truly a part of something. I felt seen for who I was, despite no one there knowing me. Garbitch is not only an incredible queercore band, they represent a community and a call to action. They make trans people feel safe and free to let out their emotions and frustrations in that pit.Â
Then there was the fashion show. I was stunned. I was spoiled rotten. A mother fucking fashion show. They had brought in a local fashion designer, Audey Thunders (who is on Etsy), to showcase her newest works. The models came in all shapes, sizes, colors, and genders. The clothes were made out of old 90′s bedsheets turned into outfits. There were even some available for sale after the show. Unfortunately I didn’t get any of the clothes but I did snag a cool studded choker made from zippers.Â
Last but most definitely not least was You Guys Suck Like Real Hard Shut The Fuck Up Thanks (or YGSLRHSTFUT for short). You Guys Suck had a way of commanding attention from the audience. They let everyone know that they would be heard and we would listen to every word. The very first song was called Fat, Black, and Trans which was a testament to the lead vocalist. She sat in the chair the whole time but that didn’t diminish the power of the set. You don’t have to thrash everywhere about the stage to be a punk. She talked and sang about everything. About her blackness, her transness, her homelessness. She told us all how LA is funneling more money into police than into taking care of the exceedingly large homeless population. The overall message and sound of You Guys Suck was the most powerful and impactful I’ve ever heard. Their final song had us chant along with them names of black women unjustly murdered by the hands of police. The loud and just fury of every single person in that room was so fucking powerful. Everyone was sent out with a call to action to combat the injustice that runs rampant in our streets killing our black population.Â
There was one more act that night that I only caught a small glimpse of, a burlesque dancer. Unfortunately I had to dip because it was late and I had to catch an Uber back to Burbank. Had I stayed longer, I know I would have nothing but good things to say.
That night was hands down the best punk show I had ever been to. It opened my eyes and showed me that punk isn’t just white. Punk isn’t straight, or cis. Punk is so much more than the stuff that lies on the surface of the scene. That night I got to be a part of something. I got to be around people who are making an impact and causing change in the scene. I hope that some day I get to see anyone from that night again. I encourage every single person out there to check out these bands if you have the means.Â
And to anyone who may have read this the whole way through: I love you. Thank you.Â
It was a night of lights and love. The first thing you saw when you walked into Spirit Hall was a big lighting display, aptly named the Vault. The whole thing was created and manned by Ian Brill. The colors changed and moved in waves with the music, creating a mesmerizing effect for both watchers and performers.
The opener, TĹŤth, kicked it all off with a solo set. He manned the stage with a guitar, trumpet, pedal board, and most of all his impressive vocal range. Along with the dreamy state of his songs, he also engaged with the audience, getting us to sing along with him. Which, for the record everyone did very enthusiastically.Â
Then of course there was Lady Lamb. This was my second time seeing her and she only gets more and more stunning. Like I said, the theme tonight was love. And Aly had no problem opening up and talking about love with us. Her family, her girlfriend, her neighbors, even us. The lights above made us visible and she kept commenting on how adorable the crowd was. And true enough, if you looked around there was so much love to be had in that night. Her music touched everyone, the crowd swaying and bobbing to tender love songs to the more intense ones about personal autonomy (looking at you Bird Balloons). The band also consisted of two women up in front on bass and keys, a very important first for Lady Lamb. All in all, a very gorgeous and well rounded performance. I can’t wait for her to come back to Pittsburgh again. Â
One whole month without seeing a show! That’s a rare occurrence! But I am back and what a show to kick off my return with!
 First order of business: the openers. Frame and Mantle and The Real Sea. Both strong contenders to the Queen of Jeans crown. Frame and Mantle brought the ethereal instrumentals coupled with powerful and emotional vocals. The Real Sea had the flowey and gorgeous sounds and some intense strumming since the guitarist broke a guitar string right before their final song and had to borrow another guitar. Both a testament to the range of the local music scene.Â
And of course Queen of Jeans. This band has been a favorite of mine for a few years since I first saw them open for Balance and Composure and From Indian Lakes. I was a fan when they only had an EP out and my love has only grown with the release of their two albums. Their whole show consisted of songs off their newest album, If You’re Not Afraid I’m Not Afraid. That is with the one acceptation, being a lesbian cover of Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus. Queen of Jeans is an experience to see and hear. Their songs and vocals swell and ebb like one would expect a churning stormy ocean to do. The vocals and harmonies are as gorgeous as the sirens that would lure sailors into those swirling waters. The love and range behind the words were enough to bring me to tears a few times. The lighting and ambiance only lent more to the mood of the whole show. If any of you ever get a chance to see Queen of Jeans I couldn’t recommend it enough. Weather opener or headliner, these women (and Pat) will steal the show every time and leave you breathless. Let’s go lesbians.
Getting right into it, the opener for this show was absolutely stunning. Toshi Kasai, all the way from Japan, stunned the audience with his electronic noise. He played along with a tarp that had a green abstract animation playing along with it. There were no breaks, everything flowing together into the static like climax of the performance.Â
Redd Kross’s was a very fun one to watch as well. They reminded me of how I imagine old classic rock bands would move an perform. Though I guess that’s essentially what they are. The music was good to bob to, and the bassist who was right in front of me for a majority of the performance was neat, getting to observe all the intricate parts of making music on a stage.Â
Then there was the Melvins. I had to put a picture of just King Buzzo in the middle just so everyone can appreciate that man’s style. It’s definitely something we should all aspire to. The heavy styles and long instrumental breaks were incredible. Enough to get the crowd of varying ages to start up a small pit much to my delight. Not the hardest pit I’ve been in but a fun one none the less. Even in the pit, the music still captivated everyone.Â
And lastly, I was able to snag the Redd Kross setlist:
I’m gonna start off by saying there were 4 other bands that played this show but unfortunately we weren’t able to stay the whole time and only caught the first two. Â
The first band, Troughman, is a local Pittsburgh grindcore band who was playing their debut show. I may also be coming from a baised standpoint on them because I’m friends with the drummer, but it was fucking great. That’s really all I have to say. It was great to bop to and entertaining to watch. Loved it!
Then there was Spontaneous Noize Combustion from who lived up to their name. While at some shows you feel the drum beat through your whole body, you felt the vocals right in the ear drum to the point where it was almost painful. All that translates to: I had a blast. They were super cool.Â
The short, energetic sets were exactly what I needed that night and I wish that I would’ve been able to stay for the other bands. Maybe next time.
It was only a matter of time before a ska show popped up on this blog.Â
The show opened with an acoustic set from Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio. His powerful voice complimented well to the main act of the night and he engaged with the audience, talking to people who were shouting from the audience.Â
A personal note for me, this show being the night after the MBMBaM show, people were recognizing me. I guess when you ask a question about ska and then go to a ska show right after people will know who you are.
But onto Streetlight. It was breathtaking. Literally. The mosh pit started instantly and did not stop. I found myself squished between people so many times it knocked the air out of me. The light design aided for it to be harder to navigate the pit, bringing us in and out of darkness so quickly. I also ended up going airborne during a mash up of Point/Counterpoint and Keasby Nights. It was glorious. Probably up there with the most intense pit I’ve been in.
Streetlight themselves was also breathtaking in the figurative sense. They played straight through their set, not wasting a second. They only had a couple short instrumentals where the band could get a bit of a breather before getting right back into playing. But the energy from the stage was infectious. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a show where people are screaming both the lyrics and the instrumentals. But with the power and iconic sounds of the Streetlight horn section, you would be insane not to sing along. But even with all the energy brought on by the other band mates, all eyes kept going back to Tomas Kalnoky. Aside from his incredible vocals, you could tell that there was nowhere he’d rather be than up on that stage. He looked so happy and sincere throughout the whole show.Â
Another personal note for me, there was a girl their that I had seen at the last show I was at that theater (The Aquabats and Reel Big Fish). She remembered me too, the both of us hugging and grabbing each others hands in the pit. I saw her before leaving and we hugged one last time, wondering aloud if we’d ever see each other again (I found out she’s from New York). And that shows the power of this music and the ska community. So much of the genre revolves around family and kinship, no matter if you’re blood related or not.Â
To wrap it up, I hope I get to experience Streetlight Manifesto again. Something about them sets them apart from other bands in their music alone and getting to see that live was more than I could’ve ever imagined.Â
Even tho this is the third post on this blog, it’s a bit of a break in format since this is a podcast live show, not a concert. However, that will not stop me from spilling my heart out.
The Mcelroy brothers and family have been such a big source of happiness for me. Weather it’s one of their many podcasts, Monster Factory, or even their short lived tv show, they’ve held a big place in my hearts over the years.Â
I’ll admit, I never listened to Shmanners (I’m waiting to start the husband wife shows until I’m all caught up with MBMBaM). But seeing Travis and Teresa up there doing some back and forth banter and just generally being a cute couple, it was so warm and fuzzy. Also, I learned a lot which is a big bonus!
The MBMBaM show itself was incredible. The dynamic of the brothers is so much funnier in person, and that’s really saying something. They graced the Pittsburgh audience with a bunch of goofs as well as a triple whammy of a Haunted Doll Watch, Farm Wisdom, AND a surprise Munch Squad from their tour manager Paul! He brought out the KFC doughnut sandwiches as discussed on a previous episode for them to try in front of all of us (the verdict: Not Good). He also rolled out a cart of 97 more to give out in the lobby if anyone wanted to try them.Â
A big part of the night at least for me was audience questions. I was stewing on mine since the show was announced. And luckily, they picked mine! So I got up and asked a question about how to convince my roommate to join my ska band. It felt almost natural doing banter with the brothers. And it was surreal after having people come up to me and tell me how they enjoyed my question and everything.Â
While I can keep rambling, I will end this post with this. The Mcelroy brothers, while they may not be experts, know how to make a wonderful atmosphere and community. I felt so happy and welcome there. I will go back and see them again in a heartbeat, and hopefully I’ll have an update for them on my ska band.
I want to start off with saying I enjoy her work, but I’m not as familiar with Lucy’s work as I should be. That being said, last night was a gorgeous mixture of emotions.
The two openers were definitely worthy of playing before Lucy. Taylor Janzen (who hailed from Canada and had a big love of Target) and Quinn Christopherson (hailing from Alaska) both brought and energy that set the mood for the night. Taylor had many haunting songs that just overall reminded me of Autumn. Or maybe it was the small gourds she had on the keyboard. Quinn gave a raw emotional performance giving perspective on his life, love, and experience as a trans man.Â
And then there was Lucy. Alternating from solo to full band, she was giving it her all on what was the last night of the tour. As I stood there, completely engaged in her music, I couldn’t help but notice how angelic she looked. With her soft cherub face, heavenly voice, and the lights illuminating her it was almost otherworldly. The thing that grounded the performance was how human her emotions were. I noticed a big thing that tied all the acts together tonight was love. Lucy had her little brother come on and play a song with the band as drummer, her dad was in the audience, and she prefaced the song My Mother & I with some words about the woman who inspired the song. Weather it was familial, platonic, or romantic love, it was all there last night. When the show was coming to a close, Lucy brought the entire audience to tears with Night Shift. She closed with a new song, ending the show as she began. Alone on stage with her music and the audience.Â
Overall, it was a beautiful performance that left me feeling just a bit melancholy and introspective. I don’t usually go to such mellow shows like this but it was definitely a good deviation from the norm.
It is very fitting this is the first post on this blog. This was my first time seeing Charly Bliss despite wanting to for years.Â
PACK was the opener. They brought a great energy as a relatively new and local band and were very engaging towards the audience.
 But Charly Bliss could not be topped. They came out and opened with Blown to Bits, the synth and lights ever mesmerizing as Eva caught every eye in the room. They played a good mix from both Guppy and Young Enough. Each song from Young Enough was preformed so beautifully and earnestly and just so Raw that I was brought to tears multiple times during this show. The songs from Guppy had the entire audience bouncing along with Hendricks, screaming the lyrics back to her. Eva’s pure emotions were infectious, she felt the music so intensely that showed just how important this moment was for her. And admittedly, when they played DQ I got so excited I almost tried to relinquish my front row spot to start a mosh pit. While there was no moshing at the indie rock show, Eva encouraged people to dance, especially for the final two songs, Capacity and Chatroom.Â
The band encored to a screaming crowd, giving us Glitter and Love Me (the latter being the only song they played off of Soft Serve). During Love Me, Eva reached out and took my hand for just a moment. She engaged with the swarm of adoring fans in a way that was just so pure and in the moment.Â
I would encourage everyone to try and make it to a Charly Bliss show if at all possible. The bands chemistry and raw talent as well as emotion will move you in a way that’s almost magical.Â
Last but not least: I grabbed my very first setlist from this show. I hope it’s the first of many!
