Buddy Guy is a legend! The last time I saw Buddy Guy perform was a tribute to his late friend Jr. Wells. Almost a century later, he is better than ever and a little spicy while roasting the Grove audience. Buddy is known for helping younger artists achieve success. Opener Eric Gales may be young in comparison; yet, was epic on his own. Continue reading “Show Review: Buddy Guy and Eric Gales Bring the Blues to Stern Grove”
Author: Emily Anderson
Believe in the power of music; and embrace the creative positive chaos it creates.
Show Review: Garbage, Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds, and Metric at Concord Pavilion, 6/6/23
This concert was an extremely rare event. Possibly described as a single-night festival hosting only the headliners. Despite the unique opportunity, the majority of the crowd was late to arrive. Unfortunately, this is typical for a mid-week show with a start time of 7 pm at a venue as remote as the Concord Pavilion. Garbage executed an aggressive grunge-punk vibe; Noel Gallagher and High Flying Birds flowing chill melodies. Metric was the perfect dynamic intro, as their versatile style lent a glimpse of what was yet to come. Continue reading “Show Review: Garbage, Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds, and Metric at Concord Pavilion, 6/6/23”
Show Review: Aftershock Festival 2022
Aftershock 2022 was a fantastic memory that will be hungered to repeat next year. Allowing over 40,000+ people each day to chill during a sweltering 99 degrees (Fahrenheit) with large mist blowers and delicious (health or comfort) eats choices were plentiful. The stage layouts were designed with both mainstages almost back to back with alternating performances with viewing screens of each other’s performance. Then the 3 smaller stages rotated with incredible talent that are under the mass media radar. As with all great experiences, I will always be missing something; thus, I did miss the first day of all my personal favorite bands. In addition, I am sure I missed out on others on the days I attended. Yet, the ones mentioned were phenomenal, and hope to see comments on your experiences. Continue reading “Show Review: Aftershock Festival 2022”
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival 2022 Journal
At the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival, you may arrive as an orphan, but you will leave with a close adopted family of one million. Hosted within the iconic Golden Gate Park, an all-inclusive backyard.
Each stage appeared to have a theme of strict bluegrass, Americana, funk, rock, or soul. It didn’t matter where you were all the stages hosted extremely talented artists with bookshelves of Grammy awards. Even when Marcus Mumford was introducing his guests and missed one; the trust was evident. If you were playing at Hardly Strictly, your talent is recognized, and you are welcome to collaborate. Wondering with discovery was encouraged. My least favorite part of the festival was making decisions, and my favorite was all decisions were good decisions. Continue reading “Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival 2022 Journal”
Show Review: Stern Grove Festival – Taj Malah and Monophonics -A Legend is Present
Taj Malah concerts are legendary and, for me, a soulful, personal connection to self. The anticipation for this concert was huge, as he has many Grammys, a large following, and relatable lyrics. Preparation was beyond the normal process of selecting a close location to the stage and gathering friends and snacks. It was a trip and opportunity to recharge life with positive wonders yet to be seen. This audience was tight – a shoulder-to-shoulder crowd. Yet, as I roamed the venue, there was always space for one more. Continue reading “Show Review: Stern Grove Festival — Taj Malah and Monophonics -A Legend is Present”
Old Crow Medicine Show with Molly Tuttle: A Definition of HOME
Photos and Review by: Emily Anderson – EmilyAnderson.me
When listening to Molly Tuttle and the Golden Highway, your entire person will elevate to a higher positivity. The upbeat, quick rhythms with elated smiles between the band and the audience were contagious. During a few short pauses of confession and conversation, she referenced San Francisco as her home. Upon each return, she witnessed the changes and felt the nostalgia for the original San Francisco and California Dream. This is the origin of the “San Francisco Blues.” Of the entire set, my personal favorite was “Crooked Tree” with the stand-out lyrics “who am I to wish I wasn’t the way I am.” All of the songs appeared to resonate with a strong positivity encouraging self-appreciation and acceptance. Safety of self and home. Continue reading “Old Crow Medicine Show with Molly Tuttle: A Definition of HOME”
Show Review: Emo to Dance Rock – Cold War Kids and Geographer Wake Up the Sleepy West Side of San Francisco at Stern Grove Music Festival
Every show at the Stern Grove vibes differently… Thus, I was unsure if there would be much of a crowd when my entry was quick, simple, and easy. I was wrong. The entire venue was fully populated with smiling faces and loaded party blankets from stage to hilltop. The crowd had a harmonious, happy vibe completely prepped for an afternoon of indie ROCK. Honoring the local musicians, Geographer and Cold War Kids returned to their San Francisco origin. DJ Hgmny set the tone with chill moody blues as people settled in. Continue reading “Show Review: Emo to Dance Rock — Cold War Kids and Geographer Wake Up the Sleepy West Side of San Francisco at Stern Grove Music Festival”
Noise Pop Film Review: Hustler’s Convention
Before the beginning, before ‘The Last Poets’, was a genius toaster whose natural conversation always had rhythm and rhyme. Jalal Mansur Nuriddin was the influence of our influences on rap. He is a storyteller with flare and purpose using intrinsic linguistic connections with a purpose beyond what is considered ‘dope’ today. The documentary is an authentic perspective of Jalal and how his work influenced our current music influences. The film itself has a poetic flow driven to inspire future artists by referencing his work and the revolution that followed.. Jalal’s last album ‘Hustler’s Convention’ was pressed and release 1973 world wide. It was a time when poets were the educators. Jalal, aka Lightn’ Rod, as most influential people, spoke on untouchable topics. Ideas and Events that were known but never to be discussed. It was the use of words as bullets and his mouth as a gun with style and purpose that generated a spark. The spark that created an artist revolution. And even to this day, Jalal remains a timeless influential lyrical inspiration.
Interview with Film Hustler’s Convention Executive Producer – Lathan Hodge: Continue reading “Noise Pop Film Review: Hustler’s Convention”
Visual Reflection on Noise Pop 2014
Once again Noise Pop delivered a entertaining variety of outstanding artists. The concert series for me started off with Lord Huron and the Super Humanoids at the Fillmore. Then Bottom of Hill for Wild Moth, who reminded me of an alternative version of the Ramons; Vir, high energy and fun; Bottomless Pit, well harmonized balance of fun. Friday at 1015 Folsom, I was generally surprised by Kelela with her captivating mix of pop and blues in acapella and followed by Majical Cloudz, who boosted the high energy of the venue even higher. One can easily understand why they are an European favorite.
Noise Pop Review: Dr Dog, Moses Sumney, Saint Rich at The Warfield, 3/1/14
Moses Sumney was a sentimental surprise as he kicked off the evening. His emotional acoustic and soulful balladry lifted everyone to the smiling, smooth side of R&B. His performance gave an opening emotional dynamic to the show by allowing a vulnerable, emotional connection to what was yet to come.
Just prior to Dr. Dog was Saint Rich. Saint Rich, a New Jersey skateboarding enthusiast, had an eccentric life stage performance. Complimented with the musical harmony but not to duplicate Dr.Dog.
Closing the exciting Noise Pop Festival was – Dr. Dog. When their fans packed the Warfield, Dr. Dog knew exactly how to respond with current favorites “The Truth” and “Lonesome” while blending in a favorites from the past such as “These Days” and “Oh No”.
Dr. Dog certainly has a loyal fan club in the Bay Area. The simple reason is, each of their albums sequentially build on the one before while remaining true to the original unique sound. Each performance enhances an appreciation of their vintage harmonizing sound. Still true to the east coast vibe; yet, unique enough to remain unclassified from the common pop and indie trend. Just one of many reasons Dr. Dog will remain a Bay Area favorite.
