2015 June – Showbams

Allen Stone, Brynn Elliott preach tech-free positivity at The Chapel

June 29, 2015 by Molly Kish Leave a Comment

Allen Stone

Photos by Tom Dellinger // Written by Molly Kish //

Allen Stone with Brynn Elliott //
The Chapel – San Francisco
June 23rd, 2015 //

Outwardly spoken about his disdain for modern culture and social media, soul/R&B singer-songwriter Allen Stone stopped by The Chapel this past Tuesday aiming to make a positive impact on an innately tech-driven audience. Enlisting help from his tourmate, up-and-coming folk songstress Brynn Elliot, the two managed to win over a sold-out crowd with their irrefutable charm and engaging performances.

Fans arrived early to check out Elliot, a novice singer-songwriter touring with Stone this summer before starting her sophomore year at Harvard in the fall. Resembling someone who could easily be mistaken for Stone’s little sister, the flaxen hair beauty earned the crowd’s attention with her dainty folk melodies and contagious excitement. She performed center stage, guitar in hand, and was backed by a band.

Brynn Elliott

Impressively belting out nearly all of her 2014 album Notions of Love, Elliot played a 45-minute set with some endearing banter between songs. She beamed with gratitude for the opportunity Stone had given her, but she also almost looked amazed by the moment.

Stone took the stage shortly thereafter to a resounding ovation from a room full of his fired-up fans, who both physically and emotionally ignited The Chapel with cheers and applause. Known for his crowd participation and “call to arms” banter, Stone started off the evening preaching his mission to establish a collective energy amongst those there to see his set. He asked the crowd to put away cellphones and to “drop your egos and tap into the music.” By that point, his disdain for modern technology was made immediately clear.

Allen Stone

In many ways, Stone’s ideological stance on technology shapes not only his set as a performer but also his fan base. Watching an Allen Stone show, one can feel certain that all pretenses will be left at the door and those surrounding you will be committing their full attention to the music.

Midway through Stone’s set, the venue was completely under his charismatic spell. The audience actively followed the Seattle-born frontman’s lead as he prompted a group participation “2-step” and rolled through crowd favorites from his self-titled LP and latest album Radius.

Allen Stone

Reinstating his anti-social media mantra throughout the entire performance, Stone, in one of the more memorable moments of the evening, jumped from the stage into the crowd to physically embrace some fans. The heartfelt moment re-emphasized the importance Stone continues to put behind such organic connections and authentic moments that he hopes his music can bring to light and will encourage people to give in to the unifying power that both art and the appreciation for it can have.

Setlist:
Freezer Burn
Fake Future
Say So
Celebrate Tonight
Symmetrical
Upside
Love
Million
I Know That I Wasn’t Right
American Privilege
Somebody That I Used to Know (Gotye cover)
Contact High
“Whoa”
What I’ve Seen
Sleep
Freedom
Voodoo

Encore:
Get Down on It (Kool & the Gang cover)
JB Groove
Satisfaction

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Allen Stone, Brynn Elliott, The Chapel

20 predictions for Grateful Dead’s ‘Fare Thee Well’

June 26, 2015 by The Bam Team 2 Comments

By Andy Magnes //

With “Fare Thee Well” upon us and everyone dancin’ in the streets, it’s time to make some predictions for this one final run to be grateful for.

We’re not saying all of these are going to happen, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed!

Prediction #20: There will be no Phish or Bruce Hornsby songs.

This is a Dead affair. Although the devout “Phans” might hear a tease or two, if Trey played a Phish song, I’m pretty sure first generation Deadheads would have a heart attack. Having said that …

Prediction #19: We will hear a Beatles cover.

From one core four to the next.

Prediction #18: For better or worse, the whole run will be one huge singalong.

Time to start warming up those pipes!

Prediction #17: Having said that, there will be a few jams that go DEEP.

We’re predicting “Eyes of the World” goes long.

Prediction #16: Santa Clara will be a Sunshine Daydream.

The driest state in the country looks like it’s going to pay off this weekend.

Prediction #15: Soldier Field could be a “Box of Rain”.

The forecast isn’t looking great, but we’ve seen stranger things happen.

Prediction #14: Jeff Chimenti will be the unsung hero of “FTW”.

Out of everyone on stage, he’s the guy in his prime who is the most familiar with the Dead catalog right now.

Prediction #13: Deadheads will feel much better about Trey after Santa Clara.

Trey’s reverence for everything the Dead stood for and his soaring leads will win over many old hearts.

Prediction #12: “Fare Thee Well” will be the happiest moment at Soldier Field in 2015.

Sorry Jay Cutler, but look on the bright side — this at least gives you an opportunity to smoke cigs on the field.

Prediction #11: Trey will use at least three different guitars.

This is not going to be a Languedoc-heavy affair. After Jerry’s guitar mysteriously disappeared from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, expect some legendary axes to accompany some legendary music.

Prediction #10: Bobby will sit in on at least one late-night show. Trey will not.

These days, Big Red goes to bed while the rest of us rage!

Courtesy of Phish.net

Prediction #9: To symbolize the passing of the torch, Bobby will bequeath his daisy dukes to Trey.

Our sources tell us this is the main reason they didn’t choose Warren.

Prediction #8: This isn’t the last we’ll see of Trey and Bruce on stage together.

Bruce’s style is a perfect match for Trey’s guitar — like an even more bluesier Page — and after their chemistry shines, we can only hope to see more of this pairing.

Prediction #7: Antelope Greg and Mayor Rahm Emanuel will get into a fistfight.

With his turf threatened by the influx of the scene, Raging Rahm will have no choice but to throw down.

[Fun fact: Rahm’s got a Jerry hand!]

Prediction #6: Chicago will open with “Box of Rain”.

It was the last song Jerry played live, in that very stadium, and the core four will no doubt tribute the late, great guitarist.

Prediction #5: “And We Bid You Good Night” will close the Chicago run … and the era.

Not the boldest prediction, but the thought of the whole crowd singing “Good Night” with the core four one more time already gives us the chills.

Prediction #4: There will be at least three Furthur buses on the lot in Chicago.

Probably more. If you have a Furthur bus, you’re coming to the Windy City. Having a geo-centric location will at least pay off in this way.

Prediction #3: Obama in attendance?

The Dead campaigned for him in 2008, it’s in his hometown and he’s officially entering the “IDGAF” portion of his presidency. O-bong hits for Obama!

Prediction #2: Mike Gordon will be raging the Chicago pit … with an enormous cactus rage stick.

You’ll be able to see his scarf for miles.

Prediction #1: Three generations of Deadheads will be in attendance.

It’s more of an observation than a prediction, but wow, what an incredible 50-year ride!

Even though this represents the end of an era, the tradition and spirit of the Grateful Dead is as fresh as ever. Whether you’re seeing Phil Lesh and Friends or Bob Weir & RatDog or you’re taking a new spin on the Dead’s songbook with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead or The Motet’s “Funk Is Dead” tribute, one thing’s for certain: even after the last note rings at Soldier Field, the music will never stop!

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Previews Tagged With: Fare Thee Well, grateful dead, Grateful Dead 50, Levi's Stadium, Phish, Soldier Field, Trey Anastasio

Camping at a music festival soon? You’ll definitely want to check out this ultimate festival camping guide

June 25, 2015 by Josh Herwitt Leave a Comment

Festival season is upon us, and some of you might be getting ready to pitch your tent at a music festival this summer. Lucky you!

Camping at music festivals can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work — and a lot to remember. Did you bring an extra pair of socks? Did you bring some earplugs? How about insect repellant? Do you know how to start your own campfire?

Well, now you’ll know exactly what to do and what you should bring thanks to our friends over at Superfi, who put together this really awesome festival camping guide that should help with all your outdoor-living needs and more.

Take a look at the infographic below, and let us know what you think. What are some camping tips you have picked up from your own experiences that you can lend to other festivalgoers?

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Festivals, Show Experience Tagged With: Camping, Music Festivals, Superfi

Am I too old now to be going to Big Gigantic shows?

June 24, 2015 by Josh Herwitt 1 Comment

By Josh Herwitt //

Big Gigantic //
Avalon Hollywood – Los Angeles
June 19th, 2015 //

It was more than five years ago when I first discovered Big Gigantic.

With its inclusion of the jazz, hip-hop and electronic worlds into their bass-heavy club bangers, the Boulder-based duo comprised of saxophonist/producer Dominic Lalli and drummer Jeremy Salken quickly captured my attention as one of music’s most intriguing up-and-coming acts amid America’s 21st-century EDM boom. There was no one else doing quite like what they were doing. Between Lalli’s sexy saxophone lines, Salken’s thundering hip-hop beats and the help of a laptop computer, Big Gigantic was already one of a kind. It was like they had created a new genre of music, or “jazztronica” as I like to call it.

A few months later, I got to witness Big G’s energy first hand when I saw them open for Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9) at a sold-out Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It was then and there that I started to understand how “big” their sound really was and could be.

Since then, Lalli and Salken have come a long way. They have released four full-length albums and played at nearly every major U.S. music festival out there, from Bonnaroo to Coachella to Firefly to Electric Forest. And this September, they will headline their fourth “Rowdytown” show at Red Rocks, a feat that Lalli and Salken can both be very proud of as current Colorado residents. It’s all resulted in a burgeoning fan base, one that continues to grow outside the 303 and 720 area codes.

Big Gigantic’s Dominic Lalli

At this point, I have seen Big Gigantic perform more than 10 times — more times than I can remember, in fact. I have lost track of the number not because the shows were unsatisfying or unmemorable, but more because there have been so many in such a short amount of time. But after turning 31 this month, I realize I’m also no spring chicken anymore.

Which brings me to last Friday’s show at Avalon Hollywood, where Big Gigantic made their return to LA after appearing at HARD Day of the Dead a few months earlier (a Big G show in the local area that I actually didn’t attend). Having noticed over the past two years that the fans seem to get younger and younger with each show I’m at, I was fully prepared to see some recent high school graduates packing the dance floor when I arrived before Big G’s headlining set. Of course, it didn’t help that Avalon is well-known as an 18-and-over venue, but it’s certainly not the only one in LA either.

Big Gigantic’s Jeremy Salken

Nevertheless, the audience on this night immediately made me feel old. Had I not run into a friend who is also in his fourth decade, I might have thought I was the only one in the room who was no longer living at home and going to school. I had felt this way at Big G shows in Colorado, but LA had yet to catch up. The real topper, though, came late in their set, when another male quite possibly 10 years my junior encouraged me to make a move on my girlfriend of more than three years. It wasn’t completely surprising knowing both my girlfriend and I share a rather youthful appearance that can often catch people off guard, so I simply chuckled and explained to him that we have lived together for almost two years now, a detail I could tell he was shocked to learn just by the expression on his face. It was a clear sign that I was no longer in the majority of the band’s fan base. I was and am simply an outlier now.

Big Gigantic, meanwhile, sounded as clean as ever. Taking the stage around 12:30 a.m. and running through a setlist highlighted by remixes of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us” and Jay-Z’s “Can I Get A …”, they had the Hollywood crowd ebbing and flowing until almost the 2 a.m. mark. Both Lalli and Salken have grown tremendously as performers, from Lalli’s production expertise and techniques to Salken’s timing and chemistry when it comes to the music’s improvised sections. And yet, they are still as funky as ever, which makes a lot of sense coming from Lalli, a formally trained saxophonist from the Manhattan School of Music who spent years playing with Colorado funk ensemble The Motet before founding Big Gigantic in 2008.

But as EDM’s sphere of influence continues to spread across the industry, so has Big G’s fan base, with many being of the younger variety. It’s left older fans like myself in a precarious position, one that feels unnatural even with so many shows under my belt. It’s why I can’t help but ask myself, “Have I exceeded the age demographic of a Big Gigantic show?”

Because even if I’m not too old yet, it’s sure starting to feel that way.

Filed Under: Editor's Picks, Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Avalon Hollywood, Big Gigantic, The Motet

Jaga Jazzist know how to offer fans the complete audiovisual experience

June 23, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

By Diana Cordero //

Jaga Jazzist with Taylor McFerrin //
The Independent – San Francisco
June 18th, 2015 //

Norway experimental jazz octet Jaga Jazzist packed The Independent last Thursday in front of a surprisingly engaged audience.

The band occupied the entirety of the stage, which barely fit all eight members, and their multitude of instrumentation (each player rotated between 2-3 instruments throughout the night) during a set that pretty much included two hours of catchy, cinematic jazz music. With no singer, drummer and main composer Martin Horntveth acted as the group’s spokesman as he greeted the crowd and introduced each song.

To top it all off, Jaga Jazzist make visuals with yet another instrument. The lighting is specifically designed to accompany every track they perform, which turns their shows into a complete audiovisual experience worth catching — unless you suffer from epilepsy — because these guys can play fast and so are the strobe lights, of course.

Warming up the crowd was Brooklyn-based producer Taylor McFerrin, who played a very well-received 30-minute set.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Jaga Jazzist, Taylor McFerrin, The Independent

Purity Ring, BRAIDS give a sold-out Fox Theater Oakland everything it could hope for and more

June 22, 2015 by Marc Fong 1 Comment

Purity Ring

By Marc Fong //

Purity Ring with BRAIDS, Born Gold //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
June 19th, 2015 //

Canada took over the Fox Theater Oakland last Friday as Edmonton electronic duo Purity Ring and Calgary art rock band BRAIDS captivated a capacity crowd.

Serving as one of two openers on this night (the other being Born Gold, Canadian pop experimentalist Cecil Frena’s songwriting project), BRAIDS’ latest album Deep in the Iris presents a beautifully bittersweet audioscape. Their performance at the Fox was equally beautiful and bittersweet and far more compelling on stage. It was as if the band was on a rapid journey through spooky woods. As they played, there was a sense of walking down a dark path illuminated by the muted warmth of a solitary candle.

At first, BRAIDS’ haunting melodies lulled the audience into a safeness, and then through quick and tumbling turns, there was an urgent complexity that was not only heard, but also felt. Frontwoman Raphaelle Standell-Preston’s voice was production-perfect — eerie and wonderful all at once. On the whole, BRAIDS’ live show is indicative of greater things to come. Their sound, both in a recording studio and live, is sublime, fun and memorable.

BRAIDS

Purity Ring’s performance, as always, was a dazzling audio adventure. However, whereas BRAIDS’ set was a quiet solo journey, Purity Ring’s was a full-blown epic. Known for its amazing light setup, the duo did not disappoint. In the past, vocalist Megan James would cross the stage as if she was afraid of the dark. Occasionally, she would hold a mechanic’s light in front of her as if she was trying to keep the monsters at bay.

By the end of the night, Purity Ring had shown how far they’ve come in less than three years. The stage had hanging lights. Instrumentalist Corin Roddick’s podium, once a small setup off to the side, was now center stage with giant crystals that lit up for punctuation, and the moon/drum that James plays sat high above Roddick, such that when she did play it, she needed a ladder to reach it.

Purity Ring

James no longer feared the dark, but rather embraced it — just like she did during the performance and with gusto. She sang and stepped with purpose. The band’s sound was not small and fearful. Instead, it was epic and haunting. Not only that, but it also showed that it had more range. “Shrines” was a subtle blend of both the quiet and melancholy.

Purity Ring’s newest album Another Eternity (read our community review here) is a refined version of that sound but bigger. There’s a dance-y element to it that makes for a bigger, more engaging live show. One moment, the audience was fighting to keep the crawlers out. The next, they became crawlers themselves dancing until their bodies ached. Either way, it was an experience that should not be missed.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Born Gold, Braids, Fox Theater Oakland, Purity Ring

Showbams Presents: Tuesdays With The T’s featuring T Sisters at Leo’s 6/23 (TUE)

June 22, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Molly Kish //

Tuesdays With The T’s – Soulstice: Souls of Oakland featuring T Sisters //
Leo’s Music Club – Oakland
June 23rd, 2015 //

Showbams is proud to present the final installment of “Tuesdays With The T’s” at Leo’s Music Club featuring T Sisters. Ending their month-long residency with a local soul showcase, the sister trio will be bringing out the big guns in conjunction with Dijon from Souls of Society, Melody Walker & Jacob Groopman, Adam Lowdermilk and the all-female artist collective Mix’d Ingrdnts.

Equal parts concert and cabaret performance, the multi-instrumentalist T Sisters so far have brought three weeks full of uniquely crafted performances to the main stage at Leo’s. With special cameo appearances, brand-new material and a diverse range of thematic stage shows, the Oakland natives close out their venue takeover this Tuesday with a “Soulstice”-themed spectacle as we transition into longer nights and hotter months.

T Sisters have decided to kick off the party by highlighting some of the top talent from a local pool of Bay Area musicians, artists and fellow creative counterparts, so come out and join us for a night of folk, funk, fusion and fun in what will easily be the most unique live music experience you’ll find this Tuesday in Oakland.

Doors open at 8 p.m., and the event is 18+. Tickets will be available at the door for $10, or you can register below for a chance to win two tickets courtesy of Showbams.

For more information, please visit T Sisters’ website, Facebook or Twitter, and you can RSVP here.

Contest ends Tuesday, June 23rd at 3 p.m.

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Adam Lowdermilk, Leo's Music Club, Melody Walker & Jacob Groopman, Mix'd Ingrdnts, Showbams Presents, Souls of Society, T Sisters, Tuesdays With The T's

SF honors its musical history at City Hall’s Centennial Celebration with Sun Kil Moon, Vetiver & more (6/19)

June 18, 2015 by Molly Kish Leave a Comment

Photos courtesy of San Francisco City Hall // Written by Molly Kish //

San Francisco City Hall Centennial Celebration //
City Hall — San Francisco
June 19th, 2015 //

This Friday, SF City Hall celebrates its 100th anniversary in euphonious fashion. Ringing in its centennial year, The Hellman Family and San Francisco Giants co-chair a symphonic tribute to the rich culture and history of the SF music scene over the past 100 years.

The celebration will take place on two stages in the Civic Center Plaza, as emcee Ben Fong Torres shares the spotlight with musical director/savant Chuck Prophet and an eclectic lineup of both locally curated and globally recognized talent. A thematic program, highlighting some of SF’s most iconic anthems, will be performed live by a full band, choir, classical string octet and horns section. Paying homage to the diverse range of musical influence the SF music scene has become known for over the past 10 decades, performers include Sun Kil Moon vocalist/guitarist Mark Kozelek, Vetiver singer-songwriter Andy Cabic, former Dead Kennedys lead singer/songwriter Jello Biafra, singer Lavay Smith, singer-songwriter/producer/musician Tim Bluhm, singer-songwriter Kelly Stoltz and more.

Obscura Digital will be debuting its brand-new projection system at the celebration.

Aside from the live entertainment on both stages, HUSHconcerts will be on site with their HUSHcast silent disco lineup, including DJ Apollo, DJ Dials, Motion Potion and several others from the Bay Area’s electronic elite. The plaza itself will be transformed into a carnival of delight with Anon Events’ roaming droves of circus performers, side-show entertainers, contortionists, sword swallowers, interactive art installations, a light sculpture garden, a children’s wonderland and an after-dark cabaret of exotic stage performances, burlesque and LED light dancers.

Obscura Digital will be displaying its brand-new projection system, which is set up to cast light and images on City Hall’s facade year round, at 9:30 p.m. sharp. Aimed to “take the audience on a visual and creative journey through the history and stories behind the building,” the light show is two years in the making and looks to make City Hall an active installation and dynamic piece of public art.

The celebration is free and open to the public from 6-11 p.m. For more information, please visit sfcityhall100.com.

Filed Under: Live Music Previews Tagged With: City Hall, Dead Kennedys, DJ Apollo, DJ Dials, Motion Potion, San Francisco City Hall Centennial Celebration, Sun Kil Moon, Vetiver

Oakland’s Trails and Ways use their worldly travels to captivate a sold-out Independent

June 17, 2015 by Nik Crossman Leave a Comment

Photos by Tomáš Valda // Written by Nik Crossman //

Trails and Ways with Bells Atlas //
The Independent – San Francisco
June 5th, 2015 //

With sounds derived from their worldly travels, the four Oakland natives of Trails and Ways promoted their debut album Pathology at The Independent after the soulful melodies of Bells Atlas. The inspiration for Trails and Ways began abroad and amalgamated with a bedroom recording project, which produced their hit single “Nunca” and transformed the project into a dedicated passion. Thanks to their recent national tours and performance at Outside Lands last year, this up-and-coming foursome is one to watch.

Flowing over a sold-out audience in SF, Trails and Ways set out to debut the latest songs from Pathology, which was released just three days prior. The public infancy of the first few tracks made it difficult for the audience to rally behind the sing-along energy produced from their better-known hits like “Mtn Tune”, “Sure Thing” (a Miguel cover) and of course “Nunca”, but Trails and Ways seemed to pick up on the energy and quickly shifted gears to the crowd favorites, enlisting everyone to move and sing along.

While there were different expectations across the board, it’s always difficult to debut new music and maintain solid engagement with a crowd. Fortunately, Trails and Ways were able to leverage the delicate intimacy of The Independent and create the best of both worlds, leading fans on a journey through Pathology. Once Trails and Ways abandoned the stage, the crowd quickly summoned them back for an encore, and they happily obliged.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Bells Atlas, The Independent, Trails and Ways

8 California music festivals you won’t want to miss before 2015 ends

June 17, 2015 by The Bam Team 3 Comments

Written by Josh Herwitt, Molly Kish & Nik Crossman //

Believe it or not, we’re already halfway through 2015. If you live in California and haven’t been to a music festival yet this year, don’t worry — you’re still in luck. Yes, Coachella and Lightning in a Bottle have come and gone, but summer is here and there are a number of music festivals in The Golden State that are quickly approaching. Here are eight that each offer their own unique experience and are sure to deliver before the calendar turns to 2016.

Northern Nights Music Festival
Location: Piercy, CA
Dates: July 17th-19th
Tickets: Buy them here!

Donning “A Greener Festival Award” for their 2014 presence, the three-day Northern Nights continues to prove itself to be one of the most sustainable, community-driven festivals in its third year. The electric lineup promises to set trends, debuting a wide variety of talent sure to appeal to many tastes. Beyond the music, NNMF sets itself apart with unique “floating stages” and engaging activities, including art installations, yoga, DIY and dream-decoding workshops, comedy and more, encouraging all festivalgoers to apply and contribute to the events. Festivals must deliver an experience beyond the music to stay relevant, and NNMF’s dedication to sustainability and community involvement demonstrates an understanding of this paradigm shift. -NC

HARD Summer
Location: Pomona, CA
Dates: August 1-2
Tickets: Buy them here!

HARD founder and CEO Gary Richards has toed the line between the EDM and mainstream music worlds over the past few years, starting in 2012 when bands like Bloc Party and Miike Snow were featured on the lineup. This year’s bill continues along that trend with alt-R&B artist The Weeknd serving as one of the festival’s two headliners alongside several other non-traditional EDM acts, including Schoolboy Q, Ratatat, Chromeo, Die Antwoord and Caribou. Yes, there will actually be plenty of instruments being played on stage this year. Who knew an electronic-focused festival could offer the best of both worlds? -JH

Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
Location: San Francisco
Dates: August 7th-9th
Tickets: Sold out!

Outside Lands has quickly risen from a SF summer highlight to one of the country’s top large-scale music festivals and a crown jewel of Bay Area production company Another Planet. Claiming the title as the “world’s only gourmet rock festival,” OSL has paved the way with its fairground food/music movement since 2008, setting the bar high with artisan experiences at its many “Lands” (wine, cheese, beer and choco) as well as its “Taste of the Bay Area” and “GastroMagic” programs. Although recognized as one of the premiere West Coast festivals, OSL still remains deeply ingrained in the rich culture of the Bay Area and continues to showcase some of the top talent in music, food, wine, beer, comedy, theater, art and culture on both a national and local scale. -MK

FYF Fest
Location: Los Angeles
Dates: August 22-23
Tickets: Buy them here!

With its eclectic lineup of indie rock, hip-hop and electronic-leaning acts, FYF Fest has become, in many ways, a Coachella offshoot over the years. That shouldn’t be all that surprising considering both are Goldenvoice-sponsored events at this point, but this year’s lineup feels underwhelming and repetitive in comparison to previous editions. If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that the Morrissey fans can finally rejoice. Other highlights include Bloc Party, D’Angelo & the Vanguard, FKA twigs, Run the Jewels, Mac DeMarco and Jon Hopkins, although it wasn’t that long ago that Chet Faker, Flume, Purity Ring, Dinosaur Jr., Toro y Moi, Simian Mobile Disco and Nicolas Jaar all played the fest, which will return to the LA Memorial Sports Arena and Exposition Park for its second time. And let’s also hope the FYF organizers have things figured out after last year’s epic line fiasco. -JH

Symbiosis Gathering
Location: Oakdale, CA
Dates: September 17th-20th
Tickets: Buy them here!

With 2015 marking Symbiosis’ 10-year “Re:Union”, the Northern California festival is set to impress. Born through a common vision of togetherness, Symbiosis encourages physical, emotional and social well-being through a vibrant community of artists, performers and creators. The lineup rivals other festivals in its class and compliments the unique multi-day “Immersion Workshops,” including Permaculture, Visionary Art and Yoga. In addition to complimentary camping, festivalgoers can upgrade to Reserved Car, RV or five-day “Ready, Set, Camp” glamping, aligned with the trend that festivals must deliver on the experience just as much as the lineup. As one of the older festivals around and their beautiful riverside venue, Symbiosis upholds its reputation as an experience you don’t want to pass up. -NC

KAABOO Del Mar
Location: Del Mar, CA
Dates: September 18th-20th
Tickets: Buy them here!

2015 has already marked a banner year for the greater San Diego area’s music scene. First, it was CRSSD Festival making a big splash in its inaugural year this past March, and now it’s KAABOO Del Mar making its debut on the final weekend of summer. With over 100 musical acts scheduled, including two VIP performances from Sheryl Crow and Ed Kowalczyk, as well as a comedy lineup that boasts Joel McHale and Lewis Black, KAABOO is primed to compete with the other large-scale, three-day California music festivals in Coachella and Outside Lands. But KAABOO is not simply a “music festival.” According to its organizers, KAABOO is a “new kind of arts and entertainment ‘mix-perience’ designed around comfort, quality and good times.” Well then, let the good times roll by the beach this September. -JH

TBD Fest
Location: Sacramento, CA
Dates: September 18th-20th
Tickets: Buy them here!

Beginning as a one-day festival in 2007, TBD Fest has grown into one of the major-market festivals in the country. With top-notch acts like Pretty Lights, Cut Copy, RATATAT, Chance the Rapper, Chromeo and Tycho, the now-three-day affair presents an all-star lineup along the Sacramento River. Although there’s no camping, TBD Fest touts a commitment to “all things creative” with artists, boutiques, chefs, craft beer, cocktails, wine and more. -NC

Treasure Island Music Festival
Location: San Francisco
Dates: October 17th-18th
Tickets: Buy them here!

Treasure Island, a joint effort from Another Planet Entertainment and Noise Pop, hails as one of the West Coast’s premiere boutique music festivals. Year after year, TIMF has become known for its diverse lineup by booking some of the biggest talent worldwide. With one of the most seamlessly designed layouts, TIMF takes place against the gorgeous panoramic views of the SF Bay on the historical landmark site of Treasure Island. The grounds allow for an easy commute between its two stages and facilitates the festival’s strict policy of no overlapping sets, while free shuttle transportation to and from SF as well as a host of after parties sets TIMF apart from the competition. -MK

Which of these music festivals are you going to? Which are you looking forward to the most?

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: Coachella, Coachella 2015, Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Music and Arts Festival 2015, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2015, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2015, FYF Fest, GastroMagic, HARD Fest, HARD Summer, KAABOO, KAABOO Del Mar, Northern Nights Music Festival, Outside Lands 2015, Outside Lands Music Festival, Symbiosis Gathering, TBD Fest, Treasure Island Music Festival, Treasure Island Music Festival 2015

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Mystikal at Mezzanine 6/19 (FRI)

June 16, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Written by Molly Kish //

Mystikal with DJ Apollo, DJ Supreme, DJ Pos Red //
Mezzanine – San Francisco
June 19th, 2015 //

New Orleans-bred, fiya-spitting rapper/actor and Gulf War veteran Michael Lawrence Tyler, better known in the hip-hop community as Mystikal, brings his spicy Cajun rap game to Mezzanine this Friday with support from DJ Apollo, DJ Supreme and DJ Pos Red. Making his debut in 1994 on local Louisiana label Big Boy Records, he became instant competition for rival crew Cash Money Records members Lil’ Wayne and BG. Mystikal gained the attention of Jive record label reps and subsequently his mentor Master P through two of his hottest tracks, which both diss the Cash Money label, before signing on to be a No Limit solider in the mid-90’s and releasing his third and fourth albums through the label.

After breaking off on his own in 1999, Mystikal hit the peak of his commercial success with his 2000 album Let’s Get Ready, which features the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs No. 1 single “Danger (Been So Long)” and The Neptunes-produced hit “Shake Ya Ass”. 2001’s Tarantula brought about the radio hit single “Bouncin’ Back”, which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album and Best Male Rap Solo Performance in 2003 as well as an acting role in the film “13 Dead Men”.

Eventually squashing his beef with Lil’ Wayne and dealing with legal issues, Mystikal signed on to Cash Money Records in 2011 and has been seen on BET’s “The Cypher” amongst several festival stages throughout the 2010’s. Most recently appearing on Mark Ronson’s fourth studio album Uptown Special, Mystikal lends his vocal stylings to hit single “Feel Right” and is currently on a nationwide tour spreading his lyrical heat and charisma throughout the states. Register below to catch him this Friday in SF.

Contest ends Friday, June 19th at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• Jedi Mind Tricks: Tuesday, June 16th at The Independent
• Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Wednesday, June 17th at The New Parish
• Grieves: Wednesday, June 17th at Slim’s
• Rhett Miller: Thursday, June 18th at The Chapel
• Vetiver: Friday, June 19th at The Chapel
• Luniz: Friday, June 19th at The New Parish
• Amtrac: Saturday, June 20th at Mezzanine
• Dead Meadow: Saturday, June 20th at Brick & Mortar Music Hall

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Amtrac, Brick & Mortar Music Hall, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Dead Meadow, DJ Apollo, DJ Pos Red, DJ Supreme, Grieves, Jedi Mind Tricks, Luniz, Mezzanine, Mystikal, Rhett Miller, Slims, The Chapel, The Independent, The New Parish, Vetiver

Tedeschi Trucks Band get summer started early at the Greek with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

June 12, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Derek Trucks

By Kory Thibeault //

Tedeschi Trucks Band with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Doyle Bramhall II //
Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA
June 6th, 2015 //

The “Wheels of Soul” tour rolled into the Greek Theatre last Saturday, bringing with it the sublime sounds of Doyle Bramhall II, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Bramhall set the tone for the evening, ripping right into his guitar, which he plays left-handed and strung upside down, and bending his strings downwards rather than up. Bramhall’s style of playing, his unique sound and his aptitude for shredding put him on the radar of rock legends like Roger Waters and Eric Clapton, whom he has shared the stage with. Furthermore, the band backing his powerhouse blues licks helped successfully land each song.

Doyle Bramhall II

Jones, meanwhile, is explosive. She is a source of pure soul. She ranks among my favorite vocalists, right up there with Mavis Staples, who I revere. These women aren’t going anywhere but forward, so why stop when you still have so much to give? Jones domineers the stage like it’s her first gig out the gate, and I assure you it is not.

Supported by the extremely talented Dap-Kings, Jones played several fan favorites, including “100 Days, 100 nights” and her take on “This Land Is Your Land”. Her energy was palpable. She never missed a step as she grooved across the stage, kicking her shoes off to dance to the soulful funk that is Sharon Jones & the Dapkings. Her moniker “Queen of Funk” is well-deserved.

Sharon Jones

Husband-and-wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are the definition of a power couple. Individually, they have built successful careers as blues rock musicians. Together, well, together they are extraordinary. Between Trucks’ masterful guitar work and Tedeschi’s powerful vocals, one can not help but swoon when listening to their music.

Tedeschi Trucks Band took the stage as the sun set over the bay, a picturesque start to what would be an incredible set of music. The band itself consists of up to nine members, excluding Trucks and Tedeschi, and is stacked with top-notch talent, including Mike Mattison and Kofi Burbridge. Their sound can fill out any venue and will fill up every soul in attendance.

Susan Tedeschi

Tedeschi’s vocals especially shined on tracks like TTB original “Midnight in Harlem” and their cover of “Angel From Montgomery”. A special shout-out to “friends Bobby and Phil” led the band into a quick take of “Sugaree”, a Grateful Dead track warmly welcomed by the crowd.

Through the entirety of the show, Trucks calmly shredded his guitar. For those not familiar with Trucks, let me provide some context. The man is a guitar god. Eyes closed, head tilted slightly down, there is a sense of intent in every note he effortlessly strikes. To highlight a specific part of the night that stood out would be undermining what was a fantastic performance from Mr. Trucks. Throw in an appearance with Bramhall toward the end of the show, along with an appearance from Jones, and I would say everyone was lifted to a some serious heights on a Saturday night at the Greek.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Derek Trucks, Doyle Bramhall II, Greek Theatre Berkeley, Sharon Jones, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Susan Tedeschi, Tedeschi Trucks Band

Palma Violets ignite a crowd-surfing frenzy in SF

June 12, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

By Diana Cordero //

Palma Violets with Public Access T.V. //
Bottom of the Hill – San Francisco
June 4th, 2015 //

Brit quartet Palma Violets ignited the always-forbidden crowd surfing at Bottom of the Hill last Thursday. The band is now promoting their sophomore LP Danger in the Club, a collection of straight-forward, English rock ‘n’ roll.

The riot began early for this show when Palma Violets bassist Alexander “Chilli” Jesson and lead singer Samuel Fryer joined opening act and New York-based band Public Access T.V. This quickly set the mood for the evening and also reflects the band’s personality: loud, accessible and yet unpredictable.

Popular amongst critics and fans, Palma Violets formed back in 2011 and ever since then have played career-defining shows, such as at Glastonbury and Treasure Island Music Festival. The show at Bottom of the Hill marked the third time these lads have hit the bay since their inception.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Bottom of the Hill, Palma Violets, Public Access T.V.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band bring a taste of New Orleans to Sweetwater Music Hall

June 11, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

By Kory Thibeault //

Preservation Hall Jazz Band //
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley, CA
June 1st, 2015 //

Preservation Hall Jazz Band dropped by Sweetwater Music Hall last Monday, convincing everyone in attendance that Frenchman Street was only a step out the door. If you are not familiar with this band or Preservation Hall for that matter, I suggest you do your research and treat your ears.

In the tradition of keeping jazz alive and relevant, Preservation Hall and its house band of the same name are iconic. While the lineup is ever-evolving, Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been touring for decades, bringing their New Orleans flavor to the national stage.

Preservation Hall’s lineup on this night consisted of bandleader Marc Braud, creative director Ben Jaffe, Rickie Monie, Joseph Lastie Jr., Clint Maedgen and Ronell Johnson. As Monie states, “Up until now, we’ve been a band that’s based on a repertoire that’s existed for a century, but that’s the balancing act: how do you honor your history and forge ahead in a way that celebrates your past? We’re not a museum. We’re a living, breathing part of New Orleans.” That last part is especially true. This band lives and breathes jazz music, which is essential to their mission of keeping it relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Personally, I believe jazz music to be one of those American art forms that will always have a place embedded in our hearts. All one has to do is open themselves up and truly listen. Jazz transcends. Jazz fills the soul. I am elated there are still musicians like Preservation Hall Jazz Band who have continued to do so.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Sweetwater Music hall

Patrick Watson is the incarnation of a musical genius

June 11, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

By Diana Cordero //

Patrick Watson with Villagers //
The Chapel – San Francisco
June 2nd, 2015 //

California-born and Canadian singer-songwriter Patrick Watson is the incarnation of a musical genius, eccentric and a bit of a mad man. His melodic arrangements as well as his instrumentation are remarkable. Music has always been a part of his life, and it becomes very obvious when one attends his show, as his SF fans did last Tuesday at The Chapel.

Watson doesn’t treat his performance as just another gig, but rather another opportunity to play music he loves making. He just exudes it, and it is awesome to witness that legitimacy. This musical journey is enhanced not only by the dynamic amongst the band members, but also by the minimalistic lighting setup that accompanies this tour, which is based off the artwork for his fifth and newest studio album Love Songs for Robots.

Often times, the stage setup seemed like it was designed to give primary focus to the music since the band appears only as a silhouette but is revealed when the music rises and explodes into melodic fireworks. Before the encore started and what already felt like the beginning of the end, Watson jumped off stage and joined the crowd to play two acoustic songs with two of his bandmates. The attendees clapped along to this intimate delivery, which took the concert to yet another level of greatness.

Opening the show was Irish indie-folk band Villagers, which supported Watson during his California dates and were a nice surprise to hear.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Patrick Watson, The Chapel, Villagers

Miami Horror trip out in SF, continue the party in LA

June 10, 2015 by Josh Herwitt Leave a Comment

Photos by Josh Herwitt & Justin Yee // Written by Josh Herwitt //

Miami Horror with De Lux //
The Independent – San Francisco & The Roxy Theatre – West Hollywood, CA
June 3rd, 2015 (SF) & June 5th, 2015 (LA) //

With the release of their sophomore record All Possible Futures this past April, Australian indietronica outfit Miami Horror are back on the road for the first time in a long time. Amid a 17-date tour across the U.S. with LA disco-rock band De Lux, which also have a brand-new album on the horizon, the Melbourne five-piece left its mark in SF and LA last week with sold-out shows at both The Independent and The Roxy Theatre.

The capacity crowds were a testament to how well Miami Horror have built a loyal fan base off the buzz that their 2010 debut Illumination generated, but as bandleader Benjamin Plant told Showbams in a recent interview, this was still their “reintroduction tour.”

Yet, from the way it commanded the crowd in SF, you wouldn’t have known that the band had eaten psychedelic mushrooms (yes, really!) before stepping on stage. And from the way it had fans singing along to every word in LA — its new home after leaving Melbourne close to three years ago — two days later, you wouldn’t have thought that it has been almost five years between the band’s two LPs. After all, in this day and age where streaming services have come to rule the music industry and artists are now forced to continually churn out new material in order to tour and make ends meet, that’s quite a long layoff for a group that’s only other release, the five-track EP entitled Bravado, came out in November 2008.

In many ways though, it felt like not much time had passed at all as Josh Moriarty (guitars, vocals) and Aaron Shanahan (co-production, guitar, synthesizer, vocals), with the sweat beads rapidly dripping down their faces, climbed on Kosta Theodosis’ drum kit and a few floor speakers at different points during both shows to pump the fans up — if they could actually be pumped up anymore than they already were. It just goes to show that after all this time, Miami Horror haven’t lost their charm one bit.

Molly Kish & Justin Yee contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: De Lux, Miami Horror, The Independent, The Roxy Theatre

Sufjan Stevens continues the grieving process at a sold-out Fox Theater Oakland

June 10, 2015 by Steve Carlson 2 Comments

By Steve Carlson //

Sufjan Stevens with Helado Negro //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland
June 5th, 2015 //

Indie-folk artist Sufjan Stevens played two sold-out shows at the Fox Theater in Oakland last Friday and Saturday, touring in support of his latest acclaimed work Carrie & Lowell.

Stevens mesmerized the seated audience Friday with a setlist expertly crafted to convey the tone of the aforementioned album, which deals with the grief Stevens experienced in the wake of losing his estranged mother Carrie. More than a few tears were shed throughout the audience and on stage, with Stevens burying his head in his hands at times before eventually reaching a sort of catharsis through an intense electronic explosion at the culmination of the fantastic “Blue Bucket of Gold”.

Stevens spoke of the need for community in the throes of grief, and the audience ably did their part to help him through this very public grieving process. At the end of the main set, a young woman crashed the stage to offer a bemused Sufjan something (a hug? words of love and encouragement?), and it seemed wholly appropriate, as if the audience needed in some small way to collectively reach out to the man after he bared his soul so openly.

Kicking off the show was experimental electronic artist Helado Negro, who brought along two “tinsel dancers” (or “glitter monks”?) to accompany him through his set of mellow pop tunes sung in both Spanish and English — a weirdly appropriate opener for an artist like Stevens to bring along on tour.

Setlist:
Redford (For Yia-Yia & Pappou)
Death With Dignity
Should Have Known Better
Drawn to the Blood
All of Me Wants All of You
Eugene
John My Beloved
The Only Thing
Fourth of July
No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross
Carrie & Lowell
The Owl and the Tanager
In the Devil’s Territory
For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti
Heirloom
The Dress Looks Nice on You
Futile Devices
To Be Alone With You
Blue Bucket of Gold

Encore:
Concerning the UFO Sighting Near Highland, Illinois
Casimir Pulaski Day
The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!
Chicago

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Fox Theater Oakland, Helado Negro, Sufjan Stevens

Treasure Island Music Festival unveils 2015 lineup featuring headliners The National, Deadmau5

June 9, 2015 by Josh Herwitt 1 Comment

Treasure Island Music Festival //
Treasure Island – San Francisco
October 17th-18th, 2015 //

After bringing Outkast and Massive Attack to the bay last fall, Treasure Island Music Festival has released the lineup for its 2015 edition — and it’s another doozy.

Taking over the island in mid-October, Brooklyn indie rockers The National and Canadian progressive-house producer Deadmau5 will headline the two-day festival, while Robyn (with La Bagatelle Magique), CHVRCHES, The War on Drugs, Azealia Banks, Father John Misty, STS9, Run the Jewels, Panda Bear, Gorgon City and Jose Gonzalez are just some of the other highlights on this year’s bill.

But don’t sleep on some other artists further down on the poster, including Atlanta five-piece Deerhunter, Norwegian producer/DJ Cashmere Cat, San Diego post-hardcore band Drive Like Jehu, Ty Segall contributor Mikal Cronin and Canadian post-punk outfit Viet Cong, which we had the pleasure of witnessing at Rickshaw Stop back in March.

Tickets go on sale this Thursday, June 11th here starting at 10 a.m. and include two-day GA passes for an early-bird price of $149.50 (before increasing to $169.50) as well as two-day VIP passes for $315.

In the meantime, you can relive the best and worst of 2014’s festival here.

Filed Under: Featured, Festivals Tagged With: Azealia Banks, Baio, Bob Moses, Cashmere Cat, Chvrches, Deadmau5, Deerhunter, Drive Like Jehu, El Hex, Father John Misty, Gorgon City, Hudson Mohawke, Jose Gonzalez, La Bagatelle Magique, Lower Dens, Mikal Cronin, Ought, Panda Bear, Robyn, Run The Jewels, Shamir, Skylar Spence, Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9), STS9, The National, The War on Drugs, TIMF, TIMF 2015, Treasure Island Music Festival, Treasure Island Music Festival 2015, Viceroy, Viet Cong

the Mountain Goats have come a long way to ‘Beat the Champ’

June 8, 2015 by The Bam Team Leave a Comment

Photos by Marc Fong // Written by Misty Brewster //

the Mountain Goats with Blank Range //
The Fillmore – San Francisco
June 1st, 2015 //

The historic Fillmore kicked off June with a stunning performance by Blank Range, serving as the opening act for the Mountain Goats. The group approached the stage with a Grateful Dead-like swagger. The band members’ worn jeans told stories of late nights in Nashville, where the band originated, long rides on tour and now their first-ever performance in SF.

They opened with a warm melody that sounded like it had jumped off a psychedelic surf poster. The lead singer’s raspy voice rested nicely against the synthy smooth melody. This combination with an overlay of folk and classic rock makes Blank Range’s sound diverse and widely appealing, and the audience, which consisted of several age groups and tax brackets, took notice.

The crowd favorite for the night was “Roommate’s Girlfriend”, a heartfelt love song about a bromance lost to a lady love interest. Throughout their set, Blank Range kept the energy flowing and the tempo upbeat. Their enthusiasm for their SF debut was apparent, and those present loved every minute of it.

Blank Range

Before the Mountain Goats took the stage, the sold-out Fillmore was treated to perhaps the greatest WWE monologue of all time. The stage was still black when former pro wrestler Dusty Rhodes began his rant. An obvious nod to the band’s 2015 release Beat the Champ, a concept album about pro wrestling, the monologue spoke of hard times in America and Rhodes’ triumph over Ric Flair. Moreover, Rhodes’ tirade was a battle cry to overcome something bigger, and it was quite an appropriate intro in later watching bandleader John Darnielle and company perform.

the Mountain Goats are known for their quirky garage sound — a gritty one full of life and verve. Arguably, the sound fits the Mountain Goats. However, the live show at The Fillmore showed something different. There was depth, confidence and a sound that was extremely well-polished. The band played some of its older, more familiar songs and a lot of the new tracks off Beat the Champ. In doing so, it showcased how far it has come and how talented it is.

the Mountain Goats play with an unexpected, polished flair, even though their music is still charmingly unique and fun. Their live show had the energy one would expect from the band, which ended with two encores on this night, reminding us that the Mountain Goats have beaten the champ.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Blank Range, The Fillmore, The Mountain Goats

SF Show of the Week // GO4FREE to Surfer Blood at The Chapel 6/8 (MON)

June 8, 2015 by The Bam Team 1 Comment

Written by Molly Kish //

Surfer Blood //
The Chapel – San Francisco
June 8th, 2015 //

2015 has been an intense year for Surfer Blood. With a rigorous touring schedule in support of their brand-new album 1000 Palms, a new record deal with UK label Joyful Noise and guitarist Thomas Fekete’s ongoing battle against a very rare cancerous sarcoma, the last six months have provided their share of ups and downs for the Florida garage rock outfit.

Amidst the difficulties it has faced though, the band has continued to come out on top by stunning festival crowds with its live show and new material as well as having singles from the album premiere on BBC Radio 1 and Netflix original series “Daredevil”. Furthermore, Surfer Blood has also brought attention to and inspired a crowd-funding campaign for cancer research and treatment via their GoFundMe campaign.

One person particularly inspired by the band’s advocacy, Bay Area photographer Maggie Corwin, even decided to team up with The Chapel to soft launch her own non-profit entertainment company called Alternative Cure and further promote funding for rare cancer research. After losing her father in December 2014 to the exact same type of sarcoma that Fekete is currently battling, Corwin recognized the importance of living every day in the moment and has taken it upon herself to establish an organization to help others in similar situations.

“Alternative Cure hopes to create lasting memories through the gift of music and relieve stress that is associated with the fight against cancer,” Corwin says.

By providing free concert tickets and VIP experiences for cancer patients and their families through affiliated venues and production crews, Alternative Cure aims to offer cancer patients the opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones through the gift of music.

Enter below for your chance to partake in the soft opening of Alternative Care at The Chapel with a live performance by Surfer Blood. All donations received will be transferred directly to Fekete for continued treatment and medical expenses.

Contest ends Monday, June 8th at 3 p.m.

Follow Showbams on Twitter for more contest giveaways throughout the week. Be the first to respond to our contest tweets to GO4FREE to these shows:

• Hamilton Leithauser: Wednesday, June 10th at The Independent
• Avid Dancer: Wednesday, June 10th at Brick & Mortar Music Hall
• Gateway Drugs: Wednesday, June 10th at Leo’s Music Club
• Midnight Magic (Summer Soul Roller Disco): Saturday, June 13th at Mezzanine
• Delta Spirit: Sunday, June 14th at The Independent
• Pure Bathing Culture: Sunday, June 14th at The Chapel

Enter your name (First and Last) along with your email below. If you win a contest, you’ll be notified on the day the contest ends (details above).

Like Showbams on Facebook, follow Showbams on Twitter and follow Showbams on Instagram. Subscribe to our social channels for a better chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED.