All posts in concerts

27Aug

Greta Van Fleet at DC9

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / August 27, 2017 / No Comments

It’s a safe bet that the next time Greta Van Fleet comes to town, it’ll be at a much bigger venue with even more fanfare.

That’s because their sold-out show at DC9, which also featured Goodbye June, was such a smash hit and it’s only a matter of time before these Michigan kids are household names.

Before they took to the stage on this night, I had a chance to sit down with guitarist Jake Kiszka for a one-on-one interview. Do yourself a favor and get familiar with their music. These guys feel like a band on the verge of playing in front of much larger audiences at much more expensive locations.

12Jun

Jack Johnson

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / June 12, 2017 / No Comments
  • Lake Street Dive
  • Lake Street Dive
  • Lake Street Dive
  • Jack Johnson
  • Jack Johnson
  • Jack Johnson

It was a minimalist’s dream as Jack Johnson and Lake Street Dive took to the stage at Merriweather Post Pavilion.

There weren’t any highly choreographed dance numbers or slickly-produced video packages. Hell, they barely even needed to plug in the headliner’s guitar.

But those in attendance were treated to a marathon of acoustic hits from the surfer-turned-singer, as well as Lake Street Dive. At last count, it appears Johnson performed 27 different songs before they finally convinced him that the night eventually had to end.

16May

Highly Suspect

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / May 16, 2017 / No Comments

Highly Suspect might not have been the biggest name coming into DC101’s annual Kerfuffle music festival, but they absolutely stole the show.

It can be a challenge to get folks off their feet when you’re only given 30 minutes or so in the early stages of a 12-hour marathon concert, but Highly Suspect packed ample amounts of energy and entertainment into their abbreviated set and the sellout crowd at Merriweather Post Pavilion responded.

If you’ve never seen them live, do yourself a favor and remedy the situation as quickly as possible. These guys are destined for bigger and better things in the not-too-distant future.

16May

MISSIO

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / May 16, 2017 / No Comments

With songs titled “I Do What I Want,” “I Don’t Even Care About You” and “Middle Fingers,” it’s safe to say MISSIO might have a chip on their proverbial shoulder.

But that attitude and approach is clearly working for this dynamic duo of Matthew Brue and David Butler. These Austin, Texas natives delivered a memorable performance as one of the opening acts of DC101’s 2017 Kerfuffle.

16May

Catfish and the Bottlemen

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / May 16, 2017 / No Comments

If I’m being completely honest, I don’t know a thing about Catfish and the Bottlemen.

According to their Wikipedia page, they’re a British rock band from Wales and they got together in 2007. Oh, and apparently their lead singer, Van McCann, used to be in a Beatles cover band with bassist Benji Blakeway. So they’ve got that going for them, which is nice.

All jokes aside, even though I wasn’t familiar with their work, Catfish and the Bottlemen was extremely popular with the crowd at DC101’s Kerfuffle. And, from my point of view, they looked the part of rockstars, played a lengthy set and were incredibly easy to photograph during their performance.

To see my full gallery of photos from throughout the day at DC101’s Kerfuffle 2017, go here.

16May

Fitz and The Tantrums

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / May 16, 2017 / No Comments

 

Since they burst onto the scene in 2008, Fitz and The Tantrums have produced a series of high-energy hits. Regardless of whether you consider them indie or pop, chances are you’ve heard your fair share of the Los Angeles-based band’s top tracks, like “Moneygrabber,” “The Walker” and, most recently, “HandClap.”

While they were only able to play an abbreviated set at DC101’s Kerfuffle this year, they did not disappoint during their time in the spotlight. Lead singers Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs can both sing, but they are also solid performers. Their synchronized dancing and overall showmanship kept smiles on the faces of those in attendance.

To see my full gallery of photos from throughout the day at DC101’s Kerfuffle 2017, go here.

15May

Jimmy Eat World

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / May 15, 2017 / No Comments

For three years of my life, I worked as a bartender at my father’s bar on the weekends to make some extra cash. While much of that experience was highly enjoyable, not everything was sunshine and lollipops.

For example, during that timeframe I can conservatively say that I heard roughly six million renditions of “Sweetness,” “The Middle” and countless other tracks from the Jimmy Eat World catalog. After covering their performance at DC101’s Kerfuffle 2017, I am relieved to report they are much more talented than the drunken karaoke duds I was subjected to for all those years.

 

Jimmy Eat World kicked off their set with “Bleed American,” which was a nice way to get the crowd fired up for their hourlong performance. From there, they did a masterful job of weaving through high-energy tracks and some of their softer selections. In total, they played a really-enjoyable 16-song set that included pretty much everything you could ask for.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from their set. To see my full gallery of photos from throughout the day at DC101’s Kerfuffle 2017, go here.

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