Marc Fong

Joe Pug sounds as good at The Independent as he does in a studio

March 23, 2015 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

Joe Pug with Field Report //
The Independent – San Francisco
March 20th, 2015 //

Less than two weeks after releasing his third LP Windfall, Austin-based singer-songwriter Joe Pug brought his energetic, neo-Americana tunes to The Independent on Friday night. Reminiscent of a younger Bruce Springsteen, Pug’s heartfelt, genuine music sounded as good in a live setting as it does in the studio, and it was clear he loves playing it with an acoustic guitar in his hands. Milwaukee folk band Field Report opened the show.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Field Report, Joe Pug, The Independent

Julian Casablancas+The Voidz toil in the shadows of SF

November 11, 2014 by Marc Fong 2 Comments

By Marc Fong //

Julian Casablancas+The Voidz with Connan Mockasin //
The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco
November 9th, 2014 //

Julian Casablancas+The Voidz stormed The Regency Ballroom on Sunday with an 80’s look and a refreshingly sweaty, fun sound. Casablancas, best known as the frontman for The Strokes, stayed mostly hidden in the shadows, but that didn’t keep him from putting on a great show. He slithered around in the dark and bathed in the shade as he sang tracks off the recently released Tyranny.

While Casablancas’ distinctive voice is present like it is for The Strokes, it didn’t dominate the project’s overall sound. You knew you weren’t listening to The Strokes, but there was definitely a hint of them in there somewhere. There’s no question Casablancas exudes a more experimental, noise-rock sound for his solo performances that’s rowdy and all over the spectrum, yet still remains a damn good break from the polished alt-rock vibes of The Strokes.

The band — which you would certainly call the cops on if they were hanging out at your kids’ park — were brassy and grimy, invoking a sweltering New York summer afternoon that was not only authentic and dirty, but also well-executed. And even if they looked a little creepy, The Voidz were fun and paired well with Casablancas.

If you’re expecting to hear The Strokes, I don’t recommend a Julian Casablancas+The Voidz show. But if you want something with more punch and dirt, you will find it here with Mr. Casablancas and the gang.

Just make sure to leave your kids at home.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Julian Casablancas, Julian Casablancas+The Voidz, The Regency

Wu-Tang Clan take on The Warfield

October 3, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

By Marc Fong //

Wu-Tang Clan //
The Warfield – San Francisco
September 27th, 2014 //

Wu-Tang Clan took on The Warfield in SF last weekend to do what they do — drop some of the illest rhymes in the history of music, pop bottles, eat potato chips and spread the good vibes. Feast your eyes on some snaps from the show.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: The Warfield, Wu Tang Clan

Lykke Li displays her dynamic duality on ‘I Never Learn’ tour

September 26, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

By Marc Fong //

Lykke Li with Mapei //
Fox Theater Oakland – Oakland, CA
September 21st, 2014 //

The lovely Lykke Li stopped by Oakland’s Fox Theater on Sunday in support of her latest album, I Never Learn. The talented Swedish beauty’s music has been described as retro-chic, quirky, electro-dance and the same can be said of her live show. Her set was the soundtrack to an eerily-fun adventure and made for a great evening.

Just like in a dream, Li emerged from the darkness and smoke like a mischievous specter. Brooding, she began with the title track of her latest album. A hauntingly beautiful tune, it was even more magical live. Like other great performers, Li was able to not only maintain her distinct and lovely sound, but also make it bigger and more robust in real life.

Li’s talent was further showcased when she covered Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire” and Kanye West’s “Send It Up”. Her take on the two covers was very much Lykke Li: ethereal, haunting and beautiful.

Bewitching the crowd with her own Stevie Nicks-esque moves, Li danced with a confident, contagious energy that had the crowd singing and swaying along with her. Her quirky sound was at times sad and mournful; at other times, quite dance-able and pop. At all times, her live set was wonderfully enjoyable.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Fox Theater Oakland, Lykke LI

PHOTOS: The Rosebuds at The Independent 8/26

August 29, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

Photos by Marc Fong //

The Rosebuds with El May //
The Independent – San Francisco
August 26th, 2014 //

Raleigh, N.C.-based indie rockers The Rosebuds have been going at it strong for more than 10 years now with multi-instrumentalists Ivan Howard (vocals, guitar, drums, bass, keyboards and programming) and Kelly Crisp (vocals, keyboard, drums, guitar and accordion) leading the way. Releasing its sixth and newest full-length album Sand+Silence earlier this month on Western Vinyl, the duo brought its beautiful, yet haunting melodies to The Independent on Tuesday night. El May, featuring Australian musician/composer Lara Meyerratken (currently based in Los Angeles), opened the show just hours after dropping their sophomore LP The Other Person Is You on British indie label Lojinx. Marc Fong was back at work, capturing The Rosebuds do their thing from start to finish.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: El May, The Independent, The Rosebuds

Outside Lands superjam features comedic guests, MC Hammer

August 14, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

By Marc Fong //

Kool & the Gang with special guests //
The Independent – San Francisco
August 10th, 2014 //

Sunday night’s Kool & the Gang show at The Independent promised a slew of special guests, and most were of the comedic variety. Barbary Tent standouts from Outside Lands — Craig Robinson, along with the stars of Silicon Valley, Thomas Middleditch and T.J. Miller — helped get things going. Robinson got in on the musical action, and the Bay Area’s very own MC Hammer helped throw it down with Kool & the Gang.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Craig Robinson, Kool & The Gang, MC Hammer, Outside Lands, Silicon Valley, T.J. Miller, The Independent, Thomas Middleditch

PHOTOS: Slightly Stoopid, NOFX and Stephen Marley at the Greek 7/18

July 24, 2014 by Marc Fong 1 Comment

By Marc Fong //

Slightly Stoopid with NOFX and Stephen Marley //
Greek Theatre – Berkeley, CA
July 18th, 2014 //

San Diego’s very own Slightly Stoopid continued their 21-date “Summer Sessions Tour 2014” at the Greek Theatre, as the seven-piece band melded funk, hip-hop, reggae and rock into one electrifying set. Punk pioneers NOFX and five-time Grammy winner Stephen Marley were also on hand, as Marc Fong was there to catch all the action from the photo pit.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Greek Theatre Berkeley, NOFX, Slightly Stoopid, Stephen Marley

PHOTOS: Blue Sky Black Death at The Independent 7/11

July 14, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

Photos by Marc Fong //

Blue Sky Black Death //
The Independent – San Francisco
July 11th, 2014 //

Futuristic hip-hop beats entranced The Independent last Friday, as Seattle-based production duo Blue Sky Black Death headlined the intimate venue, putting its unique mixture of live instrumentation and sampling on full display. It’s been almost a year since Kingston Maguire (better known as just “Kingston”) and Ian Taggart (aka “Young God”) last performed in the City, merely just weeks before releasing their fourth full-length album Glaciers in October. Yet, the twosome has kept churning new tracks out, including an unofficial remix of Frank Ocean’s 2012 single “Pyramids” in mid-February. Marc Fong took in the crowded show, capturing the best moments of the night.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Blue Sky Black Death, The Independent

Sage Francis gives positive vibes among politically-charged rhymes

June 19, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

By Marc Fong //

Sage Francis with B. Dolan //
The Independent – San Francisco
June 16th, 2014 //

Paul “Sage” Francis was, per usual, full of high energy at The Independent on Monday. The hip-hop artist appeared in his Sage Francis cape (it’s a flag with the Li(f)e album cover). He wore a ball cap that he took off a couple songs in. He also sported a veil of spiky black hair, which he took off later in the set, revealing his glorious bald head with black sharpie lines that feigned a comb over.

Ever the animated spitter, he crossed the stage what felt like a million times to make sure he addressed everyone. He emits a positive vibe, even though his lyrics are politically charged and thought-provoking. He plays up to and with the crowd, at one point getting lost in the flame of a fan’s lighter, and another fan held up his fake leg at one point.

Touring in support his new record Copper Gone (listen below), it was a pretty rad show, with B. Dalton fully delivering as the opener. One of the most important lessons of the night still lingers in the air: “Slow and steady wins the race fuckface.”

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: B. Dolan, Sage Francis, The Independent

Nickel Creek return to the Bay Area with smile-inducing bluegrass

May 22, 2014 by Marc Fong 1 Comment

By Marc Fong //

Nickel Creek with The Secret Sisters //
Fox Theater – Oakland, CA
May 19th, 2014 //

Happy vibes from both band and audience alike dominated Fox Theater Oakland on Monday for Nickel Creek’s return to the Bay Area. The group’s hiatus was discussed briefly between songs for a show that was notably long (100 plus minutes). Top-notch Americana bluegrass with a twist of progressive folk was on the menu, and Marc Fong was on the scene capturing the moment.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Fox Theater Oakland, Nickel Creek

PHOTOS: Manchester Orchestra at The Fillmore 5/2

May 5, 2014 by Marc Fong 1 Comment

Manchester Orchestra //
The Fillmore — San Francisco
May 2nd, 2014 //

Manchester Orchestra appeared at the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco Friday to deliver a fantastic performance as the Atlanta-based outfit continues to tour on their new full-length Cope. Frontman & singer-songwriter Andy Hull led the way with a strong “Shake It Out”, and a brief guitar duel sparked things off later on in the show at the top of “Everything to Nothing.” Only a handful of new songs got the live treatment, including “The Ocean” and “Top Notch”, and the performance ended with Willie Nelson’s “The Party’s Over”. Hull was continuously grateful in his admiration for the quintessential SF venue while conveying a genuine attitude while connecting with the crowd.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Manchester Orchestra, The Fillmore

PHOTOS: Motörhead at The Warfield 4/18

April 23, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

By Marc Fong //

Motörhead //
The Warfield – San Francisco
April 18th, 2014 //

As you’d expect, an older, rowdy crowd dressed in black and leather attended Motörhead’s performance in San Francisco last weekend between consecutive weekend appearances at Coachella. Guitarist Phil Campbell danced around the stage with loads of energy, a stark contrast to Lemmy hanging back behind the microphone with his bass. Showbams photographer Marc Fong was in the pit getting snaps.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Motörhead, The Warfield

PHOTOS: ††† (Crosses) at The Independent 3/31

April 3, 2014 by Marc Fong 2 Comments

By Marc Fong //

††† (Crosses) with JMSN, Black Map //
The Independent – San Francisco
March 31st, 2014 //

Deftones singer Chino Moreno and his side-project ††† (Crosses) brought their immerse electronic rock to SF for two sold-out nights at The Independent earlier this week. Moreno, as expected, had the crowd in the palm of his hand, and these photos from Marc Fong attest to that notion.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: †††, crosses, The Independent

PHOTOS: Toadies at The Independent 3/23

March 24, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

By Marc Fong //

Toadies with Supersuckers, Battleme //
The Independent – San Francisco
March 23, 2014 //

90’s alt-rockers Toadies played their entire 1994 breakthrough record Rubberneck at The Independent on Sunday, 20 years since the album’s mega-hit single “Possum Kingdom” took over the airwaves. The unsurprisingly older audience was captivated, breaking out a mini mosh pit while enjoying a band that sounded as good as they did 20 years ago. The last track on Rubberneck, “I Burn”, was performed with an extra drummer, adding some extra energy to the room. After playing their seminal album in full, Toadies played a handful of new songs along with a pretty neat cover of Blondie’s “Heart of Glass”.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Battleme, Supersuckers, The Independent, Toadies

Lagunitas hosts The Mogwli’s, Tumbleweed Wanderers at Indy

March 14, 2014 by Marc Fong 1 Comment

Mogwli’s Photos & Writing by Marc Fong // Tumbleweed Wanderers Photos by Sterling Munksgard //

Lagunitas CouchTrippin’ to Austin: The Mowgli’s & Tumbleweed Wanderers
The Independent — San Francisco
March 5th, 2014

Lagunitas knows how to throw a hell of a party. The Lagunita’s CouchTrippin’ Tour stopped by SF’s Independent March 5th for a free party which included free beer, burlesque dancers, a man wearing a rabbit costume wielding a mic, a glass-walker, and a gaggle of party-goers each with a beer in both hands. And even better yet, Lagunitas brought out some fantastic party bands.

The Tumbleweed Wanderers took the stage around 9 to a beer-soaked crowd. These funky rockers kept the party rolling by blasting a mix of folk, soul, and feel-good rock. The Oakland band puts on an energetic and eclectic show with highlights of the night including the band’s cover of Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back”. The drunken crowd was already having a good time, but when TW took to the stage, a true party erupted.

By the time the Mowgli’s had arrived, the full house was at full party mode. The LA band was the icing on the sold-out Independent cake. Reminiscent of party-band favorites like Grouplove and Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros, the Mowgli’s sound is loud and playful. It’s a quirky sound that dances between folk and indie rock. There’s a youthful sweetness in their sound that made everyone smile and bob their head with something more than drunk enthusiasm.

With the energy of a chihuahua on Red Bull, every member of the band bounced and sang on stage while front man, Colin Dieden, made close friends with the crowd. Perhaps aided by free liquid courage, attendees embraced the joyous sound and the band, and those that could were singing along at the top of their lungs, while those who couldn’t were pretending they could and swaying to the music.

The Mowgli’s played an amazingly fun show and the Indy, which was the perfect place to hear their awesome sound. When you can, you have to check them out…and that’s not just the Lagunitas talking.

Tumbleweed Wanderers // By Sterling Munksgard

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Lagunitas, The Independent, The Mowgli's, Tumbleweed Wanderers

PHOTOS: Dumpstaphunk at The Independent 3/8

March 10, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

Photos by Marc Fong //

Dumpstaphunk with Katdelic //
The Independent – San Francisco
March 8th, 2014 //

Ivan Neville’s NOLA funk staple Dumpstaphunk made their way to their annual appearance at The Independent on Friday, getting folks low to the floor and flowing like it was still Mardi Gras. Marc Fong was there to snap some moments.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Dumpstaphunk, The Independent

DJ Shadow skillfully sets the mood for The Independent’s 10-year anniversary

February 24, 2014 by Marc Fong 1 Comment

By Marc Fong //

The Independent’s 10th Anniversary featuring DJ Shadow with Bleep Bloop, Visuals by Ben Stokes //
The Independent – San Francisco
February 22nd, 2014 //

The Independent is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with more than just a birthday party. Instead, it’s throwing one hell of a week-long rager. Allen Stone, John Butler Trio, Beats Antique, Two Gallants, Rebelution and Girl Talk are among the acts taking the stage during The Independent’s anniversary week. And let us not forget trip-hop master, DJ Shadow.

Last Saturday, he took to the decks (“He don’t need no laptop!”) and treated the sold-out house to some of his special brand of magic. Haunting, crisp beats thumped through the crowd while smooth-as-silk mixes blended the new with familiar. Shadow created a cool, dark vibe with thick bass beats and his infamous scratching amongst a stunning light show and wispy fog.

Some of the crowd nodded their cocked heads to the lonely beats with lightheadedness; others gawked in awe at Ben Stoke’s visuals behind the mix-master. Shadow only interrupted the trance-y party to wish The Indy happy anniversary and to thank the crowd. It was a late night, but well worth the wait to see DJ Shadow on stage at The Independent!

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: DJ Shadow, The Independent

PHOTOS: Phantogram at the Fox Oakland 2/20

February 24, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

By Marc Fong //

Phantogram with White Sea //
Fox Theater Oakland — Oakland, CA
February 20th, 2014 //

Fox Theater, staying true to trend, hosted yet another amazing act to yet another sold out crowd. NY electronic rock duo, Phantogram, played to a packed house last Thursday, kicking off their US tour with style and energy. The band came out a bit timid, but soon enough they were loose on stage, and leads Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter eventually danced comfortably between the strobe of shadow and light. Likewise, their multifaceted sound waxed and waned between ethereal, shiny melodies and haunting beats.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: Fox Theater Oakland, Phantogram

Alice Smith transforms The Independent into prohibition-era jazz club

February 17, 2014 by Marc Fong 1 Comment

By Marc Fong //

Alice Smith with Destani Wolf //
The Independent – San Francisco
February 13th, 2014 //

The night before Valentine’s Day can be every bit as magical as V-Day itself, especially if that night is shared with the illustrious Alice Smith.

The Independent played host to the beautiful songstress, not only upon its stage, but also transforming the venue into something reminiscent of a jazz club you might see in New York during the 1920’s. The Independent showcases almost every genre of live music, generally with an open floor fit for dancing, moshing, head-banging, etc. This night, however, small tables and chairs, lit by candlelight populated the floor, transforming the look and feel of the venue into something even more special. The flames flickered in their red candle holders, giving the venue a dark, yet distinguished, quietly sophisticated vibe. The venue fit the bill, as both acts were darkly powerful, elegant and beautiful.

East Bay artist Destani Wolf opened the show with charisma, soul and strength. Accompanied by a keyboardist and guitarist, Destani pulled deep from within herself as her large voice rallied the sold out house. She moved lithely on stage, her voice strong and well-trained. Unwavering, she moved through octaves and tone as easily as she moved on stage. Clearly multi-talented (and at one point playing an invisible trumpet. Yes. An invisible trumpet), Destani was a delight to watch and hear.

Smith hit the stage to a cheers and applause. She glided on stage with style and grace. Gentlemen took off their fedoras; women smiled both excited and a little envious. Smith complimented the old-school jazz club feel right off the bat. Her voice, powerful and soulful, seemed right out of the Prohibition Era. Even when the songs were cheery and uplifting, there was poignancy and depth. Her love songs were dark and honey-laden; sweet sadness, not only in her well-written lyrics, but from the passion in her voice. A powerful singer, Smith demonstrated great range. She belted out a variety of songs which could easily be categorized all at once as jazzy, bluesy and soul.

The fans sold out the small venue expecting to hear Smith sound as great as she does on her newest album, She, and they were not disappointed. In fact, because of Smith’s stage presence and vibe, they got even more. She commanded attention in her voice, lyrics and movement. To be sure, Smith is an extremely talented artist who must not only be heard, but also seen. A Smith concert is not only about the music, but also about the experience.

Filed Under: Featured, Live Music Reviews Tagged With: Alice Smith, The Independent

PHOTOS: LoCura at The Independent 2/8

February 10, 2014 by Marc Fong Leave a Comment

Photos by Marc Fong //

LoCura with Ziek McCarter, Inspector Gadje, Izzy Wise (Afrolicious) DJ Set, Live art by Adrian Arias //
The Independent – San Francisco
February 8, 2014 //

SF music fans arrived at The Independent on Saturday to celebrate homegrown act LoCura’s third record release, Dale de Comer. Much of crowd donned Latin dance gear and were grooving, working together to create a dance-party atmosphere. Inspector Gadje performed in the crowd, combining the sensibilities of a marching band and funk. LoCura brought out a flamenco dancer to the delight of LoCura’s lead singer, adding to the authentic Latin funk — but also rock riffs reminiscent of Santana were included. The percussionist led a call & response section that kept things going sweaty, dancey and way fun.

Filed Under: Featured, Photos Tagged With: LoCura, The Independent

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