JEFF and the brotherhood

Back in June Bobby went to see JEFF and the brotherhood and told me it was amazing. He wasn't alone, everyone who was at that show told me it fucking ruled, so when it was announced that they would be back September 2nd I was stoked.

After experiencing it first hand I can honestly say that it was pretty damn near perfect. These dudes have it figured out for sure. Nashville is officially not useless.

Also, Wizzard Sleeve from Alabama played but I missed it due to getting caught in a torrential downpour. Bobby said they were 'a little gothy but still punk' - so I guess that's good.

Starting September Off Right

Last night was the Loose Dudes record release show at The Empty Bottle
as I write this I am still covered in beer and champagne.

I believe this photo accurately shows how awesome it was

this will be on repeat for the next month

Guten Tag

I can't begin to tell you how unbelievably happy I was to see Conrad again - and better yet get to see him preform again.

This band is mOck from Germany and it was such a pleasure to have them in Chicago and to have Rapid Cities from NJ also here hanging out.

We had a near perfect day of Breakfast at Flying Saucer

Shaun and Bobby

then a stroll through Humboldt Park and COCO - yum!
Maybe one of the best things about Chicago.

followed by running through open fire hydrants
yep - this day fucking ruled

Beat Kitchen merch table - it was a really fun night and a good show too
I can't wait until November to see Conrad in Berlin again

Good Music/Good Friends

I love when those things go together - it's totally magical.

Tyler Jon Tyler

Go listen to Separate Issues and try to tell me it's not the best song ever

This was my first time seeing The Girls At Dawn but they were pretty alright

....and perhaps one of my favourite people on earth, Matt Williams, playing drums in Lover!

I'm sorry that every photo from here on in is going to be from my iPhone - it's just too easy and I really like the way they look even though it's fully cheating. Fuck.

Cap'n Jazz

Back in January - at around 2am one night I did a blog post because I couldn't go to bed without sharing the totally amazing/exciting thing I had just been a part of. That night I was with a handful of people that got a surprise 4 song reunion from Chicago legends Cap'n Jazz.

I admitted back then that I was only a new Cap'n Jazz fan but it was still a totally memorable and awe inspiring experience. Now that they have officially reunited for a short summer whirlwind affair I've been trying to keep up with it.

Bobby is lucky enough to be there for ALL of it - because he's doing their merch. Also Ryan takes awesome photos and has been along for the ride thus far so I've stolen my favourite of hers :)

Ryan Kinsella
Louisville, Kentucky

Liam O'Donnell
Bottom Lounge Sunday show - everyone said Saturday was better but to me this was totally perfect
Grown men cried: for real

Elisse LaRoche
look how fucking awesome it is - lasers shooting from Davey's guitar!!!

Elisse LaRoche
I was really lucky to go with a huge Cap'n Jazz fan - thanks for coming with me Liam!
We were in the mosh pit the entire time.
Also thanks Tim for giving me that bottle of water - that place was fucking hot!
There is a photo of Liam and I after the show where we both look like we jumped into a swimming pool fully clothed.....I did not post that photo.

Bobby Burg
It rained in Brooklyn so the show got moved into a much smaller space - it was crazy!

Elisse LaRoche
The culmination
Wicker Park Fest

Jessica Hopper recently did an interview with Tim and this is my favourite part from it that kind of sums it up for me
"Playing to all these people in Philly, I asked if anyone there was at our last Philly show in December 1994—it was a show at Jon Hiltz's house. And here we are now, with Jon Hiltz doing monitors for our sold-out show, and this kid in front yells, "I was three!" So these are people who are new to us." - Tim Kinsella

Pitchfork

that's a music festival right?

This weekend is really one of my favourites of the whole year - everyone in town, the weather is always awesome and people are stoked!
This year Pitchfork was way more about hanging with friends then trying to see live music.
The VIP viewing area might as well be behind the stage, you can't see anything. If you go out into the crowd it's 100 degrees with zero shade so that sucks, but there were some musical highlights for sure.

The Tallest Man on Earth: Thanks for flying all the way from Sweeden for a 30 minute set Kristian :)
Liars: I wish I saw you at the Bottom Lounge instead
Wolf Parade: The only thing worth seeing all of Saturday
Lightening Bolt: Makes me want to quit the drums forever
Surfer Blood: adorable babies making catchy songs
Major Lazer: DAGGERING!!
Sleigh Bells: I totally love this band
Pavement: singing "Stop Breathin" with Brit

Now here is a list of friends who posed for photos.

Cutest boy at Flatstock - Dan Black

reflections
Joe Mohan

Kate, Nathan and Augie

Kristin and Billiams

Brit and Beth

Bobby and Baptiste

Dayton, Ohio

oops - forgot to post about our wonderful time in Dayton

After a not-so-wonderful 12 hour drive to get there we were totally happy to see some friendly familiar faces

Vox Humana
Thanks for playing with us Vic!

Justin from the really awesome blog Atlas and the Anchor
check it out he's always writing about awesome things

Andy and Kris N
"this song is about how Davey von Bohlen caused my divorce" - Kris N

look how much fun Dayton is!!!

thanks Blind Bob's - it was a really good show and a totally chill night