Although this was my 3^rdtime watching Art Alexakis perform, interestingly enough, it was the first time in a normal music venue setting. The previous two shows watching Everclear were in a Las Vegas casino and at a New Braunfels ice house. Tonight, the time the artists spent on stage would be used to play their lesser known cuts. Without a doubt, 3ten brought on a difference vibe – and I truly enjoyed it. 3ten is a great venue: it’s a small, intimate space with good acoustics and holds maybe 200 people if the doors to the balcony are open. The size prevents too much worry over sightlines, and the bar and restrooms are easily accessible. About 15 minutes before show time, with only 20-30 people present, I worried the intimate venue would be hosting an even smaller crowd. Thankfully though, that number tripled by the time the lights dimmed. 

When a show advertises the lead singers of Everclear, Eve 6, Marcy Playground, and Fountains of Wayne, some level of nostalgia is expected. The evening leaned into that by playing select tunes by other 90’s-era bands before the show: Pearl Jam, Oasis, Soundgarden, Ben Folds Five, Our Lady Peace. Inevitably, this show turned into musing over where each of your favorite bands now were, if they even still existed. The show lent itself to more ruminations, since each frontman was here without a band…and playing in a side venue below one of Austin’s most famous venues and where the iconic Austin City Limits music series is taped. Chris even referenced his performance at ACL over 13, or so, years ago. 

There was no doubt the majority of the crowd came for the “hits,” but hearing each frontman’s songs in a stripped-down, acoustic setting, helped showcase the strength of the songwriting. I never spent much time listening to Marcy Playground – “Sex & Candy” was never on my steady playlist – but hearing some of the deeper cuts in a casual setting, was more than enough to keep me invested in John’s set.I did feel a sense of guilt during Chris’ set since, much like Nada Surf, Fountains of Wayne is one of those bands with a ton of indie-cred, but only predominantly known for their one “hit” – “Stacy’s Mom.” This was evident as the crowd was paying little attention and talking loudly until the opening guitar riff began.

For me, the four-man jams that buffered each solo set were some of the night’s highlights. They played cover songs which included such artists as Tom Petty and R.E.M. and gave the audience a chance to sing along, evoking the feeling of being at backyard party jam session. It was a lot of fun, but I wondered how the night would have played out differently if all four guys stayed on stage throughout the show, taking turns singing solo songs and covers, with the others joining in at their leisure. If it could have been worked out, I think that kind of setup would have been incredibly unique.

Expectedly, about 80% of the crowd left before the encore/q&a. I suppose they had enough “hits” for the night and didn’t have any burning questions or requests for the guys. This portion of the show truly gave the fans an opportunity to connect with the frontmen, with several introspective questions and comments about, “this is how your songs changed my life.” The guys were incredibly magnanimous, and took most requests (when they could remember the tunes). This was undoubtedly the climax of the night for anyone that was able to have the mic.

Whether one left before the encore – happy that they heard the “hits,” or stuck around until the end of the night to hear some incredibly deep cuts and long answers and stories to uber-specific questions, it seems everyone got what they hoped for from the evening. In other words, any way you look at it, the showcase was a success. 

Written by: Cesar Lopez

Edited by: Palar Raczkowski

Photographs: Joe Hernandez

Great show and first time covering a show at the State Farm Arena. Thanks to Adrenaline PR and Saliva's label. Can't wait to cover more there. Check out the coverage.

Puddle of Mudd

Saliva

Sons of Texas

Tantric

Motograter

Ledger

for King and Country

Skillet

We were able to cover ITheatre's show of Love Sex & the IRS again in Weslaco's Tower Theater. It was another great show. Written by William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore. Thank you Steve Urbina for giving us access to the show.

Enjoy the set.

Trapt

Sick Puppies

Drowning Pool

Scott Stapp

Enjoy.

Enjoy

UMA being prepped for take off.

We were able to make it out to this years Vans Warped Tour, and as usual had a great time. Thanks to everyone for letting us cover it again and continuing to present awesome bands. Enjoy our coverage.

Beebs

Crown The Empire

Falling In Reverse

Four Years Strong

Less Than Jake

The Color Morale

The Interrupters

The Maine

Tonight Alive

We The Kings

Thanks to everyone from the Never Say Never Festival. I had a great time and I hope to cover more in the future.

Deftones

The Devil Wears Prada

Bless The Fall

Emery

more to come

And of course we ended the night with my all time favorite band....

METALLICA!!!

Great show and thanks to Patrick Garcia at http://tigersblood.org and everyone else that helped make this multi venue event run smoothly. Until Galax Z Fair 4!!!

Jungle Bodies

Perfect Pussy

Tops

Speedy Ortiz

Miniature Tigers

Twin Shadow

photo courtesy of tigersblood.org

Technicolor Hearts show with Sick/Sea, Quiet Kids and Vatican Beach at Simon Sez on January 24, 2014. Thanks to http://tigersblood.org for setting this up and allowing me to have full access to his shows.

Technicolor Hearts

Sick/Sea

Quiet Kids

Vatican Beach

I was able to cover this year's South Texas Battle of the Bands and had a great time. Thanks to Chrissy Sanchez and everyone at Trinity Worship Center for putting on a great show, until next year!

https://www.facebook.com/SouthTexasBattle

Renuevo

https://www.facebook.com/welightthenight

24/7

Called

Cornerstone Worship Center

Going Up To Jerusalem

Highest Praise Worship

https://www.facebook.com/Selftornband

The Infinite

Joe

On August 4, 2013 I was able to cover the http://vanswarpedtour.com, which was an awesome experience.  From the first time I went to the Warped tour a couple of years ago and watching bands from the crowd to now being able to have the best seat in the pit by the stage, and to walking by some of the artists back stage, I have come a long way. I would like to thank my wife and daughter for assisting me and putting up with the drive and crazy heat. I would also like to thank Kevin Lyman and everyone behind the scenes at the Warped Tour for continuing to put on a great tour and giving us our photo passes. Hopefully this will be the start to many more tours.  Here are some of the bands that we were able to cover. Until next time.  Joe

Five Knives

Young London

Sleeping With Sirens

Set It Off

2013 Vans Warped Tour
Houston, TX

2013 Vans Warped Tour

Houston, TX

2013 Vans Warped Tour

Houston, TX

Tonight Alive

The Summer Set

Letlive

Memphis May Fire

First off a quick disclaimer, I am not an English major or that well versed in the art of writing, but I am going to be posting some pictures along with some of my thoughts and other non sense.  Feel free to browse and enjoy.

I have been able to enter into the exciting world of concert photography and I would like to thank Patrick Garcia from  http://tigersblood.org for letting me cover some of the concerts that he has brought together. Here are some of the shows that I have covered for him.  Thanks again and until next time.

The Bad Lovers

The King Khan & BBQ Show

Dandy Heat

Sick/Sea