Jakob Dylan on the ATT&T Stage at ACL - more photos photo by Jaime Butler - Staff Photographer
It was hot. It was dusty. It was ACL Fest.
Austin's long, dry summer came home to roost during ACL Fest, manifesting itself as an ever-present haze of dust that steadily grew in presence driven by millions of footfalls as concert goers tramped from stage to stage in Austin's Zilker Park all weekend.
Though the dust was a problem, over 80,000 people ignored its chalky properties choosing to overcome and adapt to see headlining artists like Manu Chao, John Fogerty, David Byrne, Beck, Robert Plant & Allison Krause, The Mars Volta, and culminating with the Foo Fighters on Sunday night. Plenty of people turned out early as well to check out lots of other eclectic artists representing a huge variety of genres, from the harder edge of bands like Flyleaf, to the beach vibes of Slightly Stoopid, and the country twang of Paula Nelson or Rodney Crowell.
Rivaling SXSW as the "other" Austin music event, the Austin City Limits Music Festival downtown in Zilker Park drew thousands of people to town to hear a smörgåsbord of bands representing a variety of musical genres playing on 8 different stages. With multiple bands playing at once it was tough to know which stage you were at and which band was playing without a schedule, a map, a watch, and a little luck. Even then with all the outside ACL aftershows and parties it is impossible to see every performance. Heck there are performances associated with ACL that the general public never even hears about. I didn't know about the "warm up" show played by Blues Traveler on the ACL fest stages on Thursday until my sister told me about attending it the next day(thanks for the heads up sis!).
Bavu Blakes and The Extra Plair on the Austin Ventures Stage at ACL- more photos photo by Jaime Butler - Staff Photographer
I really didn't expect to get invited to cover ACL fest this year so I was a bit shocked to find that we had been approved for 2 media passes for the weekend. I had applied early on in the year and hadn't heard back until a week beforehand so it kind of came like a bolt from the blue. Luckily I re-arranged my schedule and was able to find time to take in some of the bands and cover a few of the outside activities.
I spent a good part of Friday roaming the festival grounds, as did Jaime Butler one of our staff photographers, and though we didn't have photo passes, our media passes allowed us to wander about and shoot pics of a few bands before the crowds made it impossible to get close to the stage. I ended up Friday over at the Blender house, sipping Sweet Leaf Ice Tea and playing Bocce ball with Ben Cyllus and his band. Ben and his crew had driven all the way down from Nashville to be the very first band of the festival to perform, and with their set done they were looking forward to checking out the rest of the festival as well as sampling Austin's world famous nightlife.
Paula Nelson on the BMI Stage at ACL- more photos photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer
Jaime returned to the main festival on Saturday and wandered about taking pictures. My 14 year old nephew Blake was in the thick of things and thought crowd surfing was pretty cool until he got dropped. His mother blames me. I got invited to cover the ACL aftershow Saturday at Stubb's headlined by the legendary Gibby Haynes and the Butthole Surfers and spent my evening there dodging my own crowd surfers(check back later for a review).
Neither Jaimie nor I were brave enough to face the crowds on Sunday, though somehow nephew Blake ended up on the front page of the local paper in a crowd shot of Sunday. My sister also somehow managed to wrangle an all access pass and was hanging out backstage with the famous and near famous Sunday night, though even she didn't have the stones to get backstage for the Foo Fighters.
While I missed most of the festival's headline sets, including the Foo Fighters on Sunday, I made up for it Monday night by getting invited to the Foo Fighters Austin City Limits taping down at the KLRU studio on the UT campus. That in itself made the whole ACL experience for me. This show was the hottest ticket of all ACL fest, how I lucked out and got a ticket only the gods know, but that is another story.
Deadheads and flower children both young and old filed into Waller Creek Saturday night to catch a glimpse of the past. The outdoor venue behind Stubb’s, an Austin, TX, favorite, played host to Dark Star Orchestra, a Grateful Dead tribute band.
But DSO is unlike other tribute bands simply aping their more-famous brethren. Every night the members of Dark Star step on stage, they recreate a concert from the long career of the Dead. Depending on what show they pick, they’ll even arrange the sound to mimic that era. Take that, cover bands!
Rob Eaton of Dark Star Orchestra - more photos photo by Jaime Butler - Staff Photographer
But Dark Star changed things Saturday and treated Austin to a double set of songs of their choosing. The music was all Dead, but the setlist was their own doing. So with the sweet smell of sensimilla wafting through the air, the six members took to the stage. Opening with “Feel like a Stranger,� DSO filled the venue with folky, funky, jam goodness.
The set continued with fun tracks like “Dire Wolf� and “Catfish John.� The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the show, dancing, smiling, and singing along to the oh-so-familiar tracks. After over an hour, they closed with an great version of “Attics of my Life,� which was the longest song of the first set.
They then took a short break before jumping into the second set. Where the first was poppier with shorter songs, these were more drawn out. Opening with “Touch of Grey,� DSO took no time corralling the crowd and bringing all attention back to them by starting on a high note. Yes, the pun was intended.
Rob Koritz of Dark Star Orchestra - more photos photo by Jaime Butler - Staff Photographer
The first song flowed into “Foolish Heart,� which kept the audience grooving. I was asked by the man next to me to move up a few steps he had more room to dance. I looked and that dancing consisted of him spinning in circles. For minutes on end. I moved further away in case his dinner came up and joined a group dancing barefoot in the dirt.
The show continued until midnight, and the crowd never stopped feeling Dark Star Orchestra’s groove. The love and devotion toward the Dead will last for many, many years to come, especially with bands like Dark Star Orchestra to continue their legacy in such a unique way. This was a fun show.
Carlos Santana closed out the rock and roll concert season down at The Verizon Wireless in Selma and we got invited to come down and take pictures of the legendary guitarist and his band. It was a great way to close out the year, listening to classic rock tunes on a pleasant summer evening with the sun slowly setting over the hill country.
A look back at some of the shows we covered at the Verizon this year include The Warped Festival with dozens of bands, Motley Crue with Buck Cherry and Papa Roach, Slipknot, Disturbed, Dragonforce and more than a dozen other bands at the Mayhem Festival, Judas Priest and Heaven & Hell, and Tom Petty & Steve Winwood. That is a lot of good music.
Thanks go out to all the guys at Live Nation and the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Selma for helping us cover all this great music during the warm months. We are already looking forward to next spring to do it all over again!
Travis Barker on the Warped Tour 2005 photo by Gary Miller - Contributing Photographer
Former Blink-182 Drummer Travis Barker and DJ Adam Goldstein are being treated for burns and are in critical condition following a plane crash late yesterday in South Carolina. The two survived a crash that claimed the lives of the pilot and co-pilot as well as 2 un-named passengers. MSNBC has reported and Club Kingsnake has confirmed that the night before they had performed together with Perry Farrell, the former Jane's Addiction singer, as well as Gavin DeGraw at a charity event. DeGraw and Farrell were NOT passengers on the flight that was scheduled to land in Van Nuys, California.
More details as they are released...
UPDATE: 11:37a.m CST - According to Yahoo Music News "The Lexington County coroner said Saturday that pilot Sarah Lemmon of Anaheim Hills and co-pilot James Bland of Carlsbad died. Also killed were passengers Chris Baker, 29, of Studio City, and Charles Still, 25, of Los Angeles."
by andrea gilders - clubkingsnake staff
Virginfest Toronto Day two
September 7, 2008. The Toronto Islands
And then came the rain.
Day one had been been gorgeous by late summer standards, the rain rolled in around midnight and well, it just kept coming.
By the time the gates had opened the fields were flooded and the Virgin "media darlings" were looking, well just a little more tense than they were yesterday. Day One's gorgeous period ferry for the media had been traded for the smaller slower but infinitely more weather proof version. The PR response appears to be when in doubt, feed the media and assure us all (and the concert goers) that they had it on pretty good authority that the rain really was going to end this afternoon. There were trays of sub sandwiches being proffered at every turn, and the the tent was fully outfitted in with nibblies, coffee, loads of water and rain ponchos upon our arrival at 1:30.
Spiral Beach , the band who declared they were from 'just over there' with a quick point back across the lake to Toronto, took to the stage right on time and with an enthusiastic intensity that surprised me.
Gone were the boom mounted cameras for the big screens, instead, the rain had driven us all through a few adaptations
A line of orange cones lined the front edge of the stage, proclaiming not only the name of the band but also the line not to be crossed for fear of hydroplaning onto the photographers. Camera men stood carefully at stages right and left pulling images for the big screens
Spiral Beach, a foursome, had an interesting front line. From Stage right, keyboardist and singer Maddy Wilde (sporting an adorable mid 80s Madonna esque ensemble) and showing a vocal style that was sexy and and fun. She was flanked by the more than a little bit bouncy Dorian Wolf on bass and more than capable Airick Woodhead on a unique guitar. (an old Danelectro covered in ratty red hockey tape). They were completed by drummer Daniel Woodhead
They bounced through the first four bars and another reviewer and I were both ready to buy the CD right there.
I'm struggling to describe it. It was rock, It was fun and even in the rain, it was damn good. Give it a listen and pay for it. They're young and I hope they're going places...
Following Spiral Beach was Toronto's own Danko Jones. A three piece hard rock group clad head to toe in black. Attitudes, growling vocals and a black Gibson Explorer later and the crowd started off into it.
Perhaps I have a weakness for low strung bass, hooky guitars and growling lyrics but the first song drew me in more than I expected. As the sun tried to peek out, the on stage attitude fought back. No on can say they were a happy band. "God damn it its not a rock show unless it rains" was the call I out I believe.
I spent much of their act alternating between loving them and not caring less. There were moments of genuis. I mean the kind of primal joy I haven't felt with a CDN hard rock act since the Kingston's 'other' best band the Headstones, but sadly that energy didn't envelop me like it should have.
Following Danko there was the mad run to the Molson Canadian area for the short Stereophonics acoustic set (see my other post on this) where the hearts of the Molson Canadian press people was obviously softened by the mud and they gave away lots of access.
Kerry King of Slayer and Avery Allen of Austin's Applicators - more photos photo by Jeff Barringer - Staff Photographer
My cell phone buzzed and glancing down I knew it was my sister.
"Ok, I got you a pass to an exclusive Pre-VMA party with Young Jeezy"
I was in Anaheim for the North American Reptile Breeders Conference for my real job and I always look for interesting away gigs to cover when I am on the road. Last year it was the Kings Of Leon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Manchester Orchestra at The Greek in L.A. . This time I had planned my trip with the hope of riding out to check out Kerry King's reptile collection and maybe get that long sought after interview that just never seemed to come together. Still it was good to have a backup plan just in case, so my sister had done some calling around and got me probably "THE" VMA hookup. The Young Jeezy party was supposed to take place at a mansion in the Hollywood Hills, and the next night, the night of the VMA's, Brittney Spears would perform at an after party in the same place.
Luckily for my staff who fear my attraction to trashy women, my specific attraction to the Brittney, and our relative proximity would lead to me being labeled Mr. Spears No. 3 the next day, I was going to be gone by the time the Britster made her appearance. Still that Young Jeezy party would be interesting, promising lots of hot babes and celebrities.
In the end I passed on Young Jeezy (no disrespect) to slam a few Jägers with Kerry. I think I made the right choice.
In the wake of Canada's national Broadcaster "The CBC" dropping the ball puck and losing the iconic "Hockey Night in Canada" theme song Moe Carlson and Luke Hoskin of Canada's Protest The Hero have submitted an entry to "Canada's Hockey Anthem Challenge". The contest was launched after The CBC failed in negotiations with the song's copyright holder and the music was snapped up by rival Canadian network CTV. The winner of this contest will become the closest thing to royalty we have in this country (Next to the Queen of England that is).
Sir Richard Branson Mark Robertson Lest GoTo War with the Mustangs Marching Band The Midway State
photos by Clint Gilders - staff photographer
by andrea gilders - clubkingsnake staff
Virginfest Toronto Day one
September 6, 2008. The Toronto Islands
The press gathered in the belly of the Westin Harbourcastle for the 11 a.m. Virginmobile media briefing with little enthusiasm. There were of course some snacks which kept us in the room and waiting to hear the rules and regulations from our Virgin mobile hosts. Really we were just going through the motions and wanted to get on the ferry and get the exciting day underway.
All was going very well in a sleepy kind of way until a voice rang out from the back of the room "Is this the way to the concert?" And there he was, larger and blonder than you'd think in real life, Sir Richard Branson himself.
In town for a charity benefit, the Toronto film festival and his own musical festival, the room woke up in a hurry as he stepped up and graced us with a few words.
It was a fabulous moment as we all sat there a little dumbstruck and not one member of the press managed to generate even one question for the media magnate.
After he took his leave, we quickly headed across the lake to Toronto's Centre and Olympic Islands, our home away from home for the next two days for Toronto's third annual Virgin festival.
As we moved rapidly across the festival grounds were were treated to a quick preview of the stage locations and a peek in the Bacardi B live music tent. Inside the Bacardi tent we caught a glimpse of local Techno act Lets go to War rehearsing with the Mustang Marching Band (From a local university who maybe didn't want to endorse an appearance sponsored by an alcohol company?).
It was absolutely invigorating to see the energy in a rehearsal and as we turned back toward the main stage the gates were opened and the concert goers literally ran past us on to the open field
Virginfest day one was on....
Of course then it was off to review our 'digs'. The Virgin media area was fabulous last year and this year was even better. A very very large tent with refreshments, free wifi, lots of seating and room to shmooze. Off to one side, a exclusive media only viewing area, actually a few feet closer than the raised VIP area.
The gorgeous white faux fur chairs were there from last year along with some really cute red chenille heart pillows emblazoned with the Virgin logo.
Within moments the first act had taken to the main stage, Mark Roberston.
I must admit I was more impressed with the fancy inflatable chairs marked "stolen from Virgin fest 2008" than I was with Mr. Robertson's falsetto.
To echo the sentiments of our photographer "Gee, that was a good song when John Mayer did it".
Moving on to the the TD Canada Trust stage we saw the Midway state from Collingwod (just north of Toronto). where I held out against a couple strange impressions until I let the music speak.
First, I was struck by the strange choices made in the handout review pressed into my hand by one of the teenagers wearing a shirt proclaiming the bands name.
It struck me as odd that a band's handout would feature a picture of only one member. And, when listing three flattering review quotes, they would choose to list the best comment from the highest profile reviewer (Toronto star) last. Marketing 101 folks, GRAB their attention then move on...Then, as I watched the last moments of the sound check I had my second negative 'first' impression. The drummer wore what I can simply describe as a 'badly conceived' fashion idea on his head. You know you've seen it its the headband. Ok, lets get it clear, head bands work on two maybe three people, Lights (Valerie - http://www.myspace.com/lightsnoise ) and Olivia Newton John can pull them off. Unless you're gorgeous and FEMALE and about 20, they're a really bad idea. That's pretty much it. Lets everyone else just agree to stop wearing them ok?
So I sighed and dug in, I must admit the hand out featured a quote from the Toronto Star suggesting that their music could stand up against U2's New Years Day or Coldplay. I was intrigued...
I'm glad I stayed.
I was treated to a really interesting performance. Their music is well put together pop with some interesting things going on. First the singer (the guy on the handout who also does the song writing) is a pretty darn good piano player and has one of the nicest smiles I've seen in a good long time. Actually the overall estethic of the band was far more pleasing than the headband mis step caused me to fear. There was some serious orthodonture in their childhoods I think. The Guitarist and bass player were very capable and as the crowd clearly enjoyed themselves there were flashes of really youthful exuberance and joy at just being on the stage for us. Never undersell enthusiasm. They were tight, they were glad to be there and it showed. The music was sweet and young without beng cloying and had a reasonable musical complexity and wall of sound feel that I genuinely wasn't expecting. Really I was pleased. Deeply surprising was their almost BEE GEE's type feel on the vocal stylings of the choruses but it wasn't a bad thing, just yet another surprise from the Midway State.
As they left the stage and I grabbed a seat in the damp grass waiting for Shudder to Think to take the stage I could hear Airborne Toxic Event wafting over from the mainstage. They sounded great but I simply couldn't be in two places at once and since the main stage was running on time so I stayed where I was.
So, I'm gearing up to go shoot A7X tonight at The Sound Academy in Toronto and what do I see on their website? "Show Postponed". A quick check of avengedsevenfold.com confirmed that A7X....
"....must cancel their U.S. shows on the band's current fall tour in order for frontman M. Shadows to rest his voice."
After the buzz buzz buzz about the Stereophonics starting at the surprise Sir Richard Branson appearance at the press briefing I was excited to see them.
Honestly ,while I've heard the name, I couldn't name a song by the Welsh rockers who were the inaugural artists for V2 records back in 1996.
But the acoustic set at the Molson Canadian Tent had been preapproved media only.
Must have been the rain softening the heart of the folks at Molson as they quietly revised their policiy and let a bunch of us in
And what a show it was Only four songs and it was basically the full on sex dream of the true fan. I managed to squeeze to the front just behind a group of rabid British fans. They roared with joy at the slightest whiff of them coming on stage and then fully enjoyed every moment of the band's appearance. It was amazing to see a band this big, for the very,very first time in an ultra intimate acoustic setting.
We were able to watch them come in and then relax after the first two songs, ("Local boy in the photograph" and "Pick a part that's new") explaining that they were desperately hungover after going out for Indian last night with Paul Weller and Oasis who were set to headline the V fest line up ahead of them tonight.
Throughout the third song" Maybe tomorrow", the band began to let go and were clearly enjoying themselves. It was a daylight performance and they were now actually looking the fans in they eye and smiling.
During the last song ("Dakota") when they reached "Drinking back, drinking for two
Drinking with you. When drinking was new" the guitarist and drummer (playing a tambourine) turned to one another with a long meaningful look and laughed outright. Clearly there were echoes of the previous night in those words
It totally wet my appetite for the show later and earned them a fan. Amazing, tight playing in a really wonderful atmosphere.
And frankly given the oh so smooth gravel of Kelly Jones voice, I wonder what the hell took me so long to give them a listen
So, I'm gearing up to go shoot A7X tonight at The Sound Academy in Toronto and what do I see on 
Stereophonics!