CBGB Fest @ Webster Hall, July 6th

So my boss sent me out to photograph the CBGB Fest.  The bands on that nights bill were Sai Nam, Absolution, Vision of Disorder, Cro-Mags & Sick Of It All.  Unfortunately things did not go as planned.  The show was shut down thanks to Harley Flanagan, co-founder and former bassist of the Cro-Mags stabbing 2 people.  There is word that 1 if not both of the people stabbed are current members of Cro-Mags.  He also allegedly bit one of them.   I actually saw the aftermath of the stabbing when Harley was being restrained by security and police.  Harley had an injury on one of his legs (his right I think) and it was bleeding pretty profusely (I might have seen bone).  Here are 2 articles I found about the incident that describe it the best!

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/punk_band_stabbing_2XycabYc7xhi92cSA1fshL

http://dyingscene.com/news/cro-mags-release-statement-regarding-webster-hall-incident-lets-move-on-and-stop-trash-talking/

Anyway I only got to shoot 2 of the 5 bands that night and because of that I think I'll just post the link to the slideshow up on The Voice's website. 

There's supposed to be a show to make up for this one being canceled but I haven't heard anything about it yet.  Whether I shoot it or not we shall have to see!

The Slideshow!

The Hives

The Hives played Terminal 5 on June 22nd.  It was my first time seeing them and it was absolutely amazing.  Whenever I find a band that sounds as good live as they do on their CD I instantly become a fan.  Besides sounding great, the show they put on was really something else.  Their backdrop alone had me super excited for what was to come.  One of the most interesting things about this band in my opinion is that their road crew were dressed like ninjas and everyone from what I can remember stuck to the band's black and white themed attire (although they were mostly in all black).  Their concert outfits were impeccable.  Top hats and long tail dress coats.  So spiffy!  I will admit to being scared that I was about to get smacked in the face or camera with the microphone the way it was being whipped around so much but it was worth it!

Here's a link to the slideshow posted up on the Village Voice's website!

Here are some extra photos from the show!

Neon Trees

Link to Village Voice slideshow
Despite the venue being unbearably hot, the Neon Trees put on a fantastic show to a sold out crowd.

Reel Big Fish wsg Goldfinger, Big D & the Kid's Table & Suburban Legends

First off, AMAZING AMAZING show!  I don't think there was a single moment that the crowd wasn't engaged in whoever was on stage and may I just say, I almost never see that happen at a show.  Typically everyone is pretty bored until the main acts come on but not this time.  As soon as the first band took to the stage (Suburban Legends), the crowd came alive and the energy just kept growing!  If you have the chance to see this show, take it!  I guarantee a great time!

Here's the slideshow posted on the Voice's website.  I took so many photos it's not even funny.  Let's just say I went through three 16gb memory cards.  

The Bouncing Souls

The Bouncing Souls @ Webster Hall

June 9, 2012

Opening bands were Static Radio & Cheap Girls

Shot for The Village Voice.

Here's a link to the slideshow on The Village Voice's website! (please excuse the weird coloring, I have no idea why it did that).

I figured I'd post some of the images that didn't make the cut for the slideshow but my bosses loved nonetheless and one that the colors look weird on so you can see how it was supposed to look.

Before I do that though, my review of the show.  It was AMAZING!!!  It was a completely sold out show, people were packed front to back with very little wiggle room.  Unfortunately for me there was no photo pit but thankfully someone was nice enough to help me onto a weird ledge thing off to the side.  Now, my one criticism if the show was the horrendous lighting, but that was out of the bands control.  What they could control was the show they put on and the vibe for the room.  They played a mix of old and new.  Their setlist felt almost flawless because they wove the new songs in with the old and they worked together perfectly.  In a way the Souls have mellowed out from when they could be distinctly called punk or pop-punk.  Their new album Comet is neither pop, nor punk, but it's completely unique and so right for them.  My recommendation is that everyone should definitely pick up a copy.  I've been listening to mine almost continuously since the show and although I love all the songs, my 2 favorites are "Coin Toss Girl" and "We Love Fun".

And now, on to the photos!