Tag Archives: Hi-Dive

Music to See in Denver August 14-19th

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Music to See in Denver, August 14-19th

Wednesday, August 14th
Oberhofer – Hi Dive – seen Oberhofer open for many great bands in the past, somehow this is their first headlining show I’ll get to attend. Frontman Brad Oberhofer is a ball of energy, say hi to him after the show, nice guy, great band: live Oberhofer footage

Thursday, August 15th
Kurt Vile – Bluebird – FINALLY Kurt Vile Day comes to Denver, it’s been a second. “Wakin on a Pretty Daze” has been in heavy, heavy rotation in my iPod, heck, my whole family’s iPods. Been counting the days til this one: “Never Run Away” video

Gogol Bordello/ Queens of the Stone Age – Red Rocks – Gogol Bordello always have a hell of a good time onstage, and QOTSA rock hard every time, so I’m going to take a guess here, but I’m pretty sure this show will be a barnburner, go tear it up. The new QOTSA album is great, so expect new material that fits right in.

Friday, August 16th
Robert Walter’s 20th Congress – Cervantes’ Otherside – former Greyboy Allstars player brings his heavy jazz funk keyboards to town Friday. A recent move from New Orleans to Los Angeles has infused a new energy into the band: “Sweetie Pie” live video

Confluence – Hi Dive – math rock local band that has a little of a Band of Horses/ Rogue Wave sound. Just got into this band and looking forward to more: Confluence bandcamp with music here

Pretty Lights/ Talib Kweli – Red Rocks – local favorite represent. When I first moved here someone pointed out Pretty Lights to me in LoDo “that’s Pretty Lights”. Looked right past the guy and nodded approvingly of a neon sign behind him, had never heard of him in 09, but everyone else had. His music is sexy, and if you haven’t seen him at Red Rocks, GO: Red Rocks video

Saturday, August 17th
Cold War Kids – City Park – one of my favorite over enunciating bands for free in a Denver city park? Twist my arm. It’s actually some big Chipotle festival, bring some cash to try out all kinds of stuff from guest chefs: Cultivate Festival

Charles Bradley – Larimer – busy week of shooting for me! Hop over to Larimer after Cold War Kids for this Daptone Records singing legend. Not much needs to be said, the king’s in town: listen to him, fer crissakes!

Monday, August 19th
Wood & Wire – Appaloosa Grill – Austin brand bluegrass, the lead singer has a voice that rises this band above most, and they have some of the tightest harmonies I’ve heard around

My Bloody Valentine – Ogden – legendary Dublin band with fuzz galore. They are touring to support their new album that isn’t clicking with me at all, but maybe the material has more life live.

Said the Whale – Larimer – opening for Kopecky Family Band, this Vancouver heavy pop band is my current favorite. I reviewed their album that’s being released in October yesterday, it’s such a great collection of very well put together songs, they finally made the US crossover, I hope for big things for them: “We Are 1980” video

Kris Kristofferson/ Lyle Lovett – Red Rocks – enough said. If you have never seen Lyle Lovett, by God, go go go.

My Schedule and Picks for The UMS

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Starting tomorrow in Denver, The UMS aka Underground Music Showcase explodes into every venue down Broadway. I’ve spent years going to SXSW in Austin, and have learned that the key to getting the most out of festivals like this involves lots of planning and research, then willingness to throw your schedule to the side when your ear hears something it likes. I’ve created a schedule of the bands I’d be seeing if I were going (I’ve got Phish in Chicago). Drink lots of water, and jot down notes of bands that stand out to you, it can be a whirlwind! Check out the lineup and purchase passes here: The UMS

Time/Venue/Band
(I didn’t put genres, most are under indie rock)

Thursday
8- Brendan’s 404- Kinky Fingers
9- Skylark- MEGA GEM
9- 3 Kings- Residual Kid – young teenagers from Austin making more credible garage punk than people twice their age: Video
10- Moe’s Original BBQ- Lionized
10- Illegal Pete’s- The Shilohs
10- Skylark- Phox
11- Illegal Pete’s- Bonnie and the Beard
11- Hi Dive- South of France: video
11- GOZO- Prism Waves
12- Skylark- eye and the arrow

Friday
6- Main Stage at Goodwill- School Knights
7- Goodwill- The Omens
8- Gary Lee’s- Sawmill Joe: one of my favorite voices right now
8- Goodwill- Bleached
9- Goodwill- Mudhoney
9- Hornet- Ned Garthe
9- Irish Rover- Science Partner: video
9- Hi Dive- Thee Dang Dangs
10- Moe’s BBQ- Champagne Charlie
10- Hi Dive- Jux County
11- Illegal Pete’s- The Yawpers
11- Skylark- Rubedo
12- Gary Lee’s- Princess Music: video
12- 3 Kings- A. Tom Collins

Saturday
1- Punch Bowl Social- Ben Hanna: video
3- Illegal Pete’s- A Shoreline Dream
4- Illegal Pete’s- The Royal
5- Goodwill- Caramel Carmela
5- Hi Dive- Vitamins
5- GOZO- Spooky Folk
6- South Broadway Christian Church- Patrick Dethlefs
6- Hi Dive- Sauna
7- Moe’s BBQ- We Like Monsters
7- Goodwill- Hockey: video
8- Hi Dive- The Blue Rider
8- Goodwill- Small Black
8- Compound Basix- Wheelchair Sports Camp: ridiculously catchy song
8- Illegal Pete’s- Hindershot
9- Blue Ice- Mancub (final show)
9- Goodwill- Cults
9- Skylark- Goldenboy: video
11- Hi Dive- Snake Rattle Rattle Snake
11- Illegal Pete’s- SWIMM
11- Skylark- Applied Music Program
12- Hi Dive- The Fresh and Onlys
12- Skylark- Dressy Bessy: video

Sunday
12- Irish Rover- Esme Patterson
1- Hi Dive- Indigenous Robot
2- 3 Kings- Clouds and Mountains
5- Illegal Pete’s- Vices I Admire
6- Punch Bowl Social- Dirty Femmes (with Gordon Gano)
7- Goodwill- Baywood
7- Moe’s BBQ- Foxfield Four: video
8- Goodwill- Lord Huron
8- 3 Kings- Tjutjuna: video
8- Hi Dive- In the Whale
10- Illegal Pete’s- Flashbulb Fires

Shows to See in Denver June 11-17

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20130611-112812.jpg photo by leslie loudspeaker

Shows To See in Denver, June 11-17

Tuesday, June 11

The Staves – Hi Dive – three pretty women singing prettily, like the Corrs, but cooler.

The Dandy Warhols – Gothic – one of my old favorites

Wednesday, June 12

Bonerama – Cervantes – saw them at the Festival of Water thinking they were a bunch of high school kids with a name like that. Nope, excellent New Orleans band with many trombones. They cover Led Zeppelin and get everyone dancing. I probably won’t be there because Cervantes smells like throw up.

Crystal Fighters/ Alpine – Larimer – was very impressed by Alpine at sxsw, and am excited to see Crystal Fighters since their new album. I love this video and song: Crystal Fighters – You and I

Thursday, June 13

Superhumanoids – Larimer – light pretty dancey prettiness, listen here: Hey Big Bang

Friday, June 14

The Orphans – Hi Dive – often acoustic punk, great for fans of Flogging Molly and other endearing punk bands that sound like they really like to drink: Anorexic Mind

Fitz and the Tantrums – Gothic – always a good time live, they have a new single they are promoting so it will be very high energy.

Amanda Palmer – Red Rocks – unbelievable singer writes THE most poignant and earnest story songs. I’ve blogged many times about “The Bed Song” being the most beautiful but uplifting song ever, here it is again (lol I cried just typing the song title into Google): The Most Tragically Beautiful Song in the World

Rastasaurus – Cervantes – great local band headlining for the first time!

Saturday, June 15

Everest – Larimer – these guys have toured with Neil Young, they definitely picked up some whistling tips. Just the slightly minimal rock sound I yearn for in the summer. Plus, I’m a total sucker for whistling (heeey Andrew Bird): Into the Grey

The Melvins – Summit Music Hall – grunge gods with two drummers, huge influence on Nirvana even though Kurt slagged them in the past, one of the drummers looks like he is wearing a Fishman dress. Go hear to blow out your eardrums: Civilized Worm

Monday, June 17

Generationals – Hi Dive – I LOVE this upbeat band, although I am biased because they’ve crashed at my house. This past year I couldn’t believe how many people were at their sxsw shows, they’ve definitely made the leap. I’ll be shooting this show for sure: Put a Light On , Ten Twenty Ten , Yours Forever . I could sit here linking videos all day, love every one of their songs.

Eleven Songs I Like Today and the Best Tank Top Ever

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20130505-172709.jpg photo by Russ Simon

My neighbor is a prize-winning tulip gardener, and the second the snow melted, the ladies came out! You should see her backyard. I’m allowed to take as many flowers as I want, as well as walk around in them, in exchange for occasionally shoveling her sidewalk. Community! Needless to say, I feel very fortunate to have such a nice neighbor. The tank top is Brandy Melville, it’s Dylan mixed with The Misfits. It is my favorite tank ever, and I wish I could find another. Literally went to the store in San Diego twice before the sales chick found one in a pile of other black tank tops. The skirt was a disaster, windy day, better with a bathing suit.

Here’s some songs I’m loving today (all song titles are links to the song):

1. Rolling Stones “Emotional Rescue” : first time played live, Jagger swaggering and pointing with splendour, every note perfect. To Vegas or not to Vegas….

2. Deodato “Also Sprach Zarathustra(2001)” : my husband heard a version of 2001 that he thought was Phish with horns, did some searching, found it. This is the best rendition of a song ever. Timeless. It’s been played about a hundred times blaring through our speakers through the house. My life has felt very funky but dramatic.

3. The Bamboos “Happy” : continue the funk with this New Zealand band that really needs to tour the USA.

4. TEEN “Circus (Live at Union Pool)” : great, loud, pretty stuff, their name is around a lot right now, I like the flashlight video.

5. Metz “Wet Blanket” : if you have some patience and let the music inside you, it’s the most amazing feeling in the world. They are playing in Denver at Hi Dive on Tuesday. It’s going to be so forceful.

6. Lorde “Royals” : New Zealand is really cranking out unbelievable music! This song is slithery, minimal beat, nice vocals, I have a song of the day!

7. Faces on Film “Knot in the Vine” : this band has a slick, dreamy sound. Sounds like a movie where everyone is sweaty in a small town and most of them have slept with each other and drama sweaty drama.

8. No Joy “Negaverse” : opening for Metz this Tuesday, beautiful noise.

9. Chain in the Gang “Living in the Panther Cage” : love some quirky minimal stuff with male and female vocals and loud snare.

10. Goat “Goatman” : heard this year’s Austin Psych Fest was the best year yet, I’m in for sure next year at this new location. Kicking myself that I skipped it and missed these guys. So much to do, so little time…..

Update- song 11 came in last night and it’s just a perfect simple piece of beauty : “Big Talking” by White Woods

Music in Denver May 1-7

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20130501-162833.jpg photo by Dave Vann

Got to cross “Be In a Dave Vann Picture” off the list at Red Rocks Saturday! I’m on the left front row in a grey and red-sleeved Phish hoodie. Represent!

Music in Denver May 1-7

Wednesday, May 1

Har Mar Superstar – Hi Dive – legendary crooner, looks like Ron Jeremy, often gets down to his underwear, his music gets sexy so bring a date: Lady You Shot Me video

John Statz – Walnut Room – songwriter with very interesting influences. On his last album he traveled to ghost towns and wrote the songs there full of inspiration. John Statz website with my photos on the front page!Yay I hadn’t seen that!!

Powerman 5000 – classic American metal

Thursday, May 2

Milk Carton Kids – Bluebird – saw these guys two years ago play in a church and oh how I cried in a good way. Excellent minimal music.

Alex Clare – Ogden – guy has an amazing voice, go to watch everyone wait for his overplayed song: you’ve all heard this one

Crystal Castles – Gothic – high pitched annoying glitchy stuff that I LOVE for 40 minutes. Alice Glass rocks out excellently, doesn’t look like a try hard like that girl from Dead Weather. I have a crush: live video, don’t say I didn’t warn you that the audience sucks

Friday, May 3

Bela Fleck w/ Colorado Symphony – Boettcher – best living banjo player with the symphony? No brainer.

Melvin Seals and JGB – Quixote’s – and then race over here to dance to Melvin and the Jerry Garcia Band

Sunday, May 5

Devendra Banhart – Gothic – is Gothic doing awesome or what? Thank you, AEG. Intellectual king doing his thing, this tour is not as quiet as some others I’ve seen, and I liked what I saw at sxsw and look forward to the extended set.

Tuesday, May 7

Yngwie Malsteen – Summit – all the guys that practice metal solos at Guitar Center will be here with their ponytails and black shirts. Get your guitar wank on.

Faun Fables – Marquis – sometimes they make you sit down, so wear pants, ladies: video for Faun Fables

Metz w/ No Joy – Hi Dive – rage night! No Joy is my current favorite band, and Metz rock it loud live. I’ll be at the front shooting the show, say hi! wild Metz video, you either love or despise

Music to See in Denver 4/10-4/16

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Wed, 4/10

Akron/Family – Larimer Lounge – second date of the tour promoting the new album, awesome art rocks that builds live footage

Acid Mothers Temple – Hi Dive – Japanese psychedelic band that’s been around forever in various lineups

Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers – L2 Arts and Cultural Center- known for this video but she sounds like this and kicks it live in concert

Thurs., 4/11

Beach Day – The Moon Room – beachy pop rock with sweet female vocals video for Beach Day

Keaton Simons – Soiled Dove Underground. He was a friend of a friend when I lived in LA. Now I hear his voice in the mall, restaurants, some hotel in San Diego, tv shows, soap operas, and trivia- he’s Eric Roberts stepson…. live version of Currently

Fri., 4/12

Grey Boy Allstars – Cervantes – nuff said. Playing Saturday as well, same place. This is the party.

Sunday 4/14

Angel Olsen – Hi Dive – she’s all the rage right now in attractive chicks with bangs that sing old timey. I’ll be shooting this show, say hello…..video for Angel

Ponderosa – Lion’s Lair – southern rock from Atlanta, lead singer’s voice is captivating live….video for Ponderosa

Mon., 4/15

Death -Gothic – twee indie pop with a ukulele. Nah, I’m kidding, it’s masters of Death Metal.

Tues., 4/16

Bon Jovi – Pepsi Center – if I get the go to shoot this show, I’m so there…

The Dear Hunter – Marquis – …but most likely will be here. Progrock from Providence, RI, they’ve got albums that tell a story in three parts, with a son poisoning someone and basically Gamehendge but it sounds like this

Les Racquet – Hi Dive – indie rock power trio out of Brooklyn who sound like an indie rock power trio from Brooklyn. I’m going to try to make this and Dear Hunter, tough choice. video of Les Racquet

Shakey Graves Concert Review- He’ll get in your SOUL

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20130404-081141.jpg photo by leslieloudspeaker

Shakey Graves is a one man band to be reckoned with. Just when you think there are enough folk/blues singer/songwriters, someone like Shakey Graves fires through proving you wrong. Hailing from Austin, he’s recently finished a residence at The Parish and went on to become a big buzzed about musician during sxsw. When he walked up to the Denver show in his cowboy hat and leather jacket, fans were stopping him to shake hands, take pictures and tell him thank you. The word has really gotten out! The venue was packed clear back to the soundboard at Hi Dive, filled with people who had heard about this guy and his drum suitcase. He didn’t disappoint. Playing with ease and singing with conviction, he had the audience clapping and in awe, leaving them yelling for an encore, which he gladly played. Next time he comes through town, he’s going to have a big show, and it definitely won’t be free.

On a personal note, when reading his bio, I came across his old headshot. I knew Alejandro instantly from old castings and working on Spy Kids 3. Small world! I’m glad the ghost of Shakey Graves decided to haunt him, guy has talent galore, and I’ve gotta say, the ladies LOVE him, I saw y’all all swooning at the front last night!

listen to his album free here

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Music to See in Denver 4/2-4/8

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Tuesday 4/2
Parenthetical Girls – Hi-Dive – experimental indie pop from Portland video for “A Song for Ellie Greenwich”

Hidden Towers – 3 Kings – post hardcore rock trio from Vancouver, they are touring for their first full length album

Wednesday 4/3
Shakey Graves – Hi-Dive – one man band from Austin, used to play on the streets, now he’s having a moment. True talent. video with story of his name and song

Acid Baby Jesus – Lost Lake – fuzzy punk from Greece, you may have seen them open for Black Lips a couple years ago: video for “It’s On Me”

Cold War Kids – Gothic – Long Beach based moody pop trio with piano. I LOVE these guys. Some friends don’t like the singer’s over-pronunciation, I love it, so make your own decision: new single from latest album

Thursday 4/4
Spiritualized – Bluebird – space rock from England following the demise of Spacemen 3

Airborne Toxic Event – Ogden – for people who like this song

Merchandise – Marquis – these guys are good live video of Merchandise

Deer Tick – Gothic – see them if you haven’t, even the lead singer solo is great their main video

Friday 4/5
The Suspects – 7th Circle – Houston, TX ska band I’ve been seeing my whole life, great ska

Saturday 4/6
Detective – Lions Lair- awesome band on the rise, favorite at sxsw some of their music

Slaughter – Grizzly Rock – gotta do some people watching at a hair metal show at least once a year

Monday 4/7
Purity Ring – Gothic – sugary dance pop, openers Blue Hawaii are pretty good so come early. For a good time read their Youtube comments where people fight over who was a fan first. Purity Ring Video

Concerts to See in Denver Mar. 26- April 3rd

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Shows to See in Denver, Mar. 26- April 3

Mar. 26
Tartufi – The Armoury – San Francisco trio with layered arrangements that provide maximum soundscapes and vocal loops. Full Stream of Album here

Mar. 27
Waxahatchee – The Armoury – great voice, cute presence live, nice to have some straightforward indie folk without layers and pedals once in awhile video for Waxahatchee

Lord Huron – Bluebird – indie folk from CA. Not much stage presence but pleasant sound

FIDLAR/Wavves/Cheatahs – Larimer – see all three, the openers are good. Saw FIDLAR twice at sxsw because I liked them so much. Wavves has been popular for a few years, this year they are pushing for more. FIDLAR video w Henry Rollins

Lindsey Stirling – Gothic – hip-hop violinist who dresses in costumes and has weirdly mesmerizing videos. This will be where the anime and video game nerds are. Video of her in the Ice Castles at Silverthorne

KMFDM – Summit Music Hall – German industrial punk, nostalgia act

Mar. 28
Lindsey Stirling – Ogden – same comic con dream girl with violin as last night at Gothic video of her as Link playing Zelda medley

Soulfly – Marquis – the only spiritual metal I like

Mar. 29
Cave Singers – Gothic – Seattle band with members of Pretty Girls Make Graves, their haunting sound has been giving me goosebumps for years. Excellent vocal harmonies, darker themes video for “Dancing in Our Graves”

Low – Larimer – great band, been around forever, new album is fantastic, the lyrics hit me to the bone video for “Plastic Cup”

Robert Earl Keen – Grizzly Rose – I don’t listen to much country, but once every three years or so I have to make the pilgrimage to this sing-a-long since we are from the same hometown and he played every frat party during college. This song was almost every male in my graduating class’ Senior Quote and the words will never leave my memory. I don’t like country, but I love Robert Earl Keen link to Road Goes on Forever from ACL with singing Texans

Zoogma – Cervantes’ Other Side – sexy electronic fusion from Oxford, Miss., this will be a “beat driven dance party” HD video of a full show

Potato Pirates – Moon Room – typical rudecore punk. Take ya back to high school audio video for Potato Pirates

Mar. 30

Phosphorescent- Hi-Dive- seen twice at sxsw, both shows full of people your mothers age swaying along, as I said before, would sound great on Grey’s Anatomy. Will be a good show in that tiny room with good sound, but a little too “not enough of something” for me.

Joy Formidable/ Fort Lean/ Guards – Gothic – all good bands. Joy Formidable are quickly gathering steam right now with their energetic rock pop, been all over the tv and on the radio, the other two bands are great as well, go early Joy Formidable on David Letterman

Erykah Badu – Fillmore – nuff said. She’s the Queen. my fave song of hers with Rahzel beatboxing

Mar. 31

Pure X – Larimer – slow, dreamy psych pop from Austin. If anyone likes them I can tell you a hundred others that sound exactly like them. Nice guys, chat them up if inclined.

Cheers Elephant – Walnut Room – more psych pop, this time upbeat and melodic and happy link to audio of song “Leaves”

Apr. 1

Miracles of Modern Science – Walnut Room – orchestral craziness

Apr. 2

Parenthetical Girls – Hi-Dive – like weird hipster stuff? See them Video for Parenthetical Girls

Apr. 3

Cold War Kids – Gothic – they are back strong and sound amazing. Funny tidbit- new song on Grey’s Anatomy. Hypocrisy at its finest, here! acoustic version of new single from sxsw

Acid Baby Jesus – Lost Lake – fairly rollicking garage rock that reminds me of middle school, killer videos video of “I’m a Baby”

DO NOT SEE SKY FERREIRA. Don’t make my mistake!!!!

Nick Cave – Ogden- you know what you are getting. Make sure to catch Sharon Van Etten. Warning- powerful show, but if you are not a huge fan, it might be way slow for you. Let’s just say I left to see Parquet Courts and had a much better time, but Cave is a true showman and the fans were eating it up. You will see old 80’s Nick Cave shirts at this show.

And of course, Leftover Salmon at Bluebird all weekend.

Bands to See in Denver Mar. 20-27th

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BOLD band names are my personal pics. Blue is video links.

Wednesday, Mar. 20
Rose Windows – Moe’s Original BBQ, Denver (great lyrics, slow psych) Rose Windows- Heavenly Days

The Soft Moon – Larimer Lounge (thumping psych) come here for your psych fix

The Pharmacy – Moe’s Original BBQ (creative powerful garage rock, they tend to cause mosh pits among hipsters. If you like the Flaming Lips without confetti, check them out) I will be here

Thursday, Mar. 21
Champagne Charlie – Lost Lake Lounge (rough Man Man type vocals, goes well with whiskey) Champagne Charlie

Widowspeak – Moe’s Original BBQ, Denver (soft female vocals with building sound behind her) sexy psych

Old Man Markley – Marquis (rockabilly bluegrass with NOFX influences, from Fat Wreck Chords) Old Man Markley

Friday, Mar. 22
Fol Chen w/ Royal Canoe – Hi-Dive (indie pop, they had a song on Weeds during a popular Botwin showing her body again scene) for Erin

Paper Bird (video release), He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister – Oriental Theater (beautiful harmonies and ragtag instruments Americana with heart, really cute dresses) new Paper Bird video- GO MACON!!

Saturday, Mar. 23
Delicate Steve – Hi-Dive (screechy goodness) Delicate Steve- Wally Wilder

Billy Bragg – Gothic (story time)

Jars of Clay – Grizzly Rock (that Christian band that had that 40 Days song that I loved until I figured out it was about Noah)

Tuesday, Mar. 26
In This Moment – Fillmore (metal with costumes and ridiculousness and a hot chick)

John Statz- Walnut Room (guitar, banjo, barstool, heart pouring out)

Tartufi – The Armoury (huge sound from three people, blissful crescendos) Tartufi

Wednesday, Mar. 27
Waxahatchee- The Armoury (solo project of Katie Crutchfield from P.S. Eliot, amongst a sea of chicks with guitars, this one really stands out) Video for Grass Stain

Lord Huron – Bluebird (indie folk from CA. Not much stage presence but a pleasant sound) video of Lord Huron

FIDLAR, Wavves, Cheatahs – Larimer Lounge (loud good rock, all of them. Saw FIDLAR twice at sxsw I liked them so much, Wavves is about to go to the next level so see this show if you get self-worth out of bragging about seeing bands before they were big) FIDLAR Live Video