REVIEW: Coheed & Cambria Continue to Enlighten at Hollywood Palladium

By Jessica Klausing

Claudio Sanchez
photo by Jessica Klausing

Who doesn’t love them some Sci fy/Fantasy inspired music?

 Coheed and Cambria played to an ecstatic crowd at the Hollywood Palladium on Tuesday. Fans waited in line for over five hours just to ensure a good spot in front of the progressive rockers. The night kicked off with three opening bands: Silver Snakes, I The Mighty, and Glassjaw.

Silver Snakes
 photo by Jessica Klausing

Silver Snakes took the stage first. These guys reminded me of an early Deftones garage band. It felt like a time warp back to my middle school years in the early 2000s. The aggressive rhythm section fused with the gut bellowing choruses gave off an immaturity vibe. Alex Estrada can fill a room with his half growl, half scream vocals though! The sound was pretty decent if screamo is your thing.

I The Mighty
  photo by Jessica Klausing

I The Mighty was the next act to follow. The venue was already starting to get packed at this time. These guys were my favorite openers of the night. This quartet hyped up the crowd with their ambitious energy. Lead singer Brent Walsch encouraged plenty of pushing and shoving. Much to security displeasure, he invited fans to try to jump over the barrier to get onstage. Of course, nobody tried this in fear of getting kicked out. Walsch admitted to being a huge Coheed fan by showing off his band inspired key tattoo.

Glassjaw
 photo by Jessica Klausing

By the time Glassjaw came out, fans were already going berserk. You would have thought that these guys were the main headliners. The band showed off their esteemed brand of hardcore metal and experimental rock. Many of the fans were proudly singing along to “Tip Your Bartender” and their latest “New White Extremity.” Lead singer Daryl Palumbo was bouncing around like a jackrabbit throughout the entire set.

Claudio Sanchez performs "Ghost"
  photo by Jessica Klausing

            At 09:30PM, Claudio Sanchez and his unruly mane took the stage with lead guitarist Travis Stever. The duo opened with the acoustic “Ghost,” as blinding fluorescent lights shone down upon Sanchez. Fans cheered and eagerly pushed forward in an attempt to get closer to the stage. The seasoned rockers kept on with the graceful pace of the song. Those calming vocals and delicate guitar strumming were only just building up the anticipation ready to burst in the venue.

Josh Eppard
photo by Jessica Klausing

As soon as drummer Josh Eppard and bassist Zach Cooper took stage-- all hell broke loose! The band launched right into “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3” to bring the pace back up. Jumping, pushing, thrashing, dancing, crowd surfing are just a taste of many antics to expect at Coheed shows.

One notable highlight was the excessive crowd surfing action during “No World Tomorrow.” Fans were flying towards the stage as if it were the end of times. This writer even received a minor injury from a soaring super fan.

Travis Stever
    photo by Jessica Klausing

The band toured in favor of their newest album, The Color Before the Sun. Half of the set list consisted of the brand new songs.

“Blood Red Summer,” “Island,” and “Everything Evil” followed the band’s traditional progressive rock flow. Sanchez has a one-of-a kind falsetto that just commands the attention in the room. His band mates are rock solid technical musicians. I can easily see why devoted fans would want to wait in line for hours.

Coheed and Cambria perform at the Hollywood Palladium
 photo by Jessica Klausing

            Coheed really stands out because of their unique ability to create something different. It is not too often you hear space agey synthesizers in today’s music. Sanchez captivated our imaginations with his powerful storytelling based off of his science fiction comics, The Armory War.

“The Favor House Atlantic” and “Here to Mars” were examples of this artistic imagery. Coheed really gets the point across with a mesmerizing LED light show. The lights were constantly changing colors and spinning out in different directions. It was a trippy experience!

“Peace to the Mountain” slowed things down with its calm, reflective message. “I learned to keep quiet/How to keep my distance/Afraid to let strangers in/How to keep my secrets.”

The band closed out the night with their biggest hit, “Welcome Home.” Sanchez shredded shamelessly on his double neck guitar while fans wailed out the “woahs.” This powerhouse metal ballad was the perfect note to send fans off.

SETLIST:

1. Ghost

2. In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3

3. Blood Red Summer

4. Island

5. Everything Evil

6. Key Entity Extraction V: Sentry the Defiant

7. A Favor House Atlantic

8. Here to Mars

9. The Hard Sell

10. No World Tomorrow

11. Atlas

12. The Audience

13. Peace to the Mountain

ENCORE:

14. You Got Spirit, Kid

15. Eraser

16. Welcome Home

REVIEW: Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band/Elephant Revival's Sermon to the Fonda Theatre

By Jessica Klausing

@FlipsideJess

Josh Ritter with drummer Liam Hurley
photo by Jessica Klausing

            Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band serenaded fans at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA on January 19 with a slew of brand new songs from the new album, Sermon on the Rocks (2015). The night was filled with heartfelt lyrics, foot-stompin’-hand-clappin’ folk melodies and of course, lots of smiling!

Elephant Revival
photo by Jessica Klausing

            Elephant Revival opened the show with “Birds and Stars” from their 2013 album, These Changing Skies. This acoustic quintet’s style can be described as transcendental folk rock.  Their music incorporates a smorgasbord of Scottish/Celtic, bluegrass, jazz, indie rock with a twang of psychedelic country. Just think if Americana had crashed a Yiddish party, this is how it would sound. I was quite impressed with their musical arrangements. For starters, I have never seen anyone rock out on a washboard and musical saw like Bonnie Paine!

Bonnie Paine
photo by Jessica Klausing

         “Quill Pen Feather” shows off the band’s more country western rockin’ side with Bridget Law’s violin infused with bittersweet literary imagery: “You were throwing colors/ Upon canvas walls/Your words cut through the human/Mending wounds but still bleeding.”

            The highlight for me was the beautiful acapella, “Raven Song,” which proves that a band does not need intense instrumentals to make a profound song. Instead, Paine’s haunting vibrato calls out to the weary: “Some say that that upon that mountain/There is many a raven/They call out to the living/From somewhere far beyond them/From those we love that have flown on.”

            ElephantRevival’s new album releases in April. It’ll be worth your time to give them a listen.

Josh Ritter
photo by Jessica Klausing

            Josh Ritter took stage dressed in a paint-stained blue jumpsuit in front of a colorful mountain canvas. This was the exact same outfit and backdrop as seen on the cover of his new album, Sermon on the Rocks (2015).

            Ritter crooned right into the acoustic guitar opener, “Good Man,” from The Animal Years (2006). The rest of the band came on stage next for the upbeat, “Birds of a Meadow.” This was one of the songs off his new album. Each time Ritter belted out, “Fire is Coming. Fire is Coming,” the red stage lights illuminated the mountain backdrop like a spreading wildfire.

These colorful stage lights helped set the mood for Ritter’s playful storytelling. Whether it was a dark blue night sky during the heart wrenching, “In the Dark” or a rainbow aurora during the “You are the Northern Lights/They try to shine through your curtains/You’re too close and too bright,” part of “Kathleen,” it was a breathtaking sight to be seen!

Ritter was all smiles and beaming energy for the entire set. Literally, the entire set. It was often hard to take the darker songs seriously like, “Engine Engine Number 9” and “Girl in the War” because of all the smiling. However, Ritter’s big smile was so infectious that you just couldn’t help yourself but to grin and bounce along too. It was evident that he really enjoys performing!

“We have lots of new songs to go through. It’ll be a lot like speed dating,” joked Ritter.

Josh Kaufman
                photo by Jessica Klausing

His newer album was recorded in New Orleans, like the city, the music showcases plenty of zesty spirit. “Getting Ready to Get Down” and “Where the Night Goes” are prime examples of this with the electrifying guitar delivery by Josh Kaufman. The audience would cheer and clap alongside Ritter and the band.

Sam Kassirer
             photo by Jessica Klausing

It was Sam Kassirer’s hauntingly beautiful piano introduction of “Homecoming” that really captivated me.  Those graceful chords really honed in with Ritter’s “I’m headed home” lyric. It was an excellent way to conclude the emotional journey Ritter shared with us that night.

Zack Hickman
                photo by Jessica Klausing

No encore would be complete without “To the Dogs or Whoever,” from The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (2007). This was the ultimate crowd favorite as the audience would scream out “In the dark I thought I heard somebody call.” The enthusiasm ended the show on a high note as Ritter and his band mates took a heartfelt bow.

 Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band will continue their 2016 U.S tour in San Francisco, CA on January 20 and will conclude May 29 in Charleston, SC.   

Setlist:

Good Man

Birds of the Meadow

Young Moses

A Big Enough Sky

Right Moves

Henrietta, Indiana

New Lover

Seeing Me ‘Round

Where the Night Goes

Cumberland

The Stone

In the Dark

Engine Engine Number 9

Hello Starling

Bonfire

Girl in the War

Rumors

Getting Ready to Get Down

Homecoming

Encore:

The Temptation of Adam

Kathleen

To the Dogs or Whoever

INTERVIEW: Catching up with Counting Crows' Adam Duritz

Adam Duritz during soundcheck at Irvine Meadows
photo by Jessica Klausing

Interview by Jessica Klausing

The questions were provided courtesy of the Counting Crows Merry Murder of Fans Facebook group.

This interview is featured on Los Angeles Digest

In 1993, Counting Crows was put on the map with their successful debut album, August and Everything After. A seven-time platinum award winning band, Counting Crows is still going strong as ever today. Currently, the band is touring throughout North America, Europe, and Australia in support of their seventh album, Somewhere Under Wonderland.

 I spoke with lead singer, Adam Duritz on a stop in Southern California over the weekend. We discussed stage preparations, rumored new releases and if he still lurks on old fansites.



What did you think of Ryan Adams' cover of Taylor Swift's 1989 album? Would you consider covering an entire album?

Adam: I haven't had a chance to check it out yet. Yeah, I could see us doing something like that in the future. I love interpreting other people's material. Our tour mates, Hollis Brown, has done something like that. Their second album, Gets Loaded covers Velvet Underground's Loaded. It's a great album!

Are you working on any new material?

Adam: Not really right now. I am preoccupied with the tour. It's hard to make myself write something on the road.

How do you physically and/or mentally prepare for a certain song on stage?

Adam: I try not to think too much about it. I don't have a special way to prepare. I just start singing. All of the songs have different feelings and there are different ways to interpret them. You just get on stage and do it.

How do you expend so much energy--give so much to the crowd and then adjust to the silence afterwards?

Adam: It was something I had to get used to after a while. In the beginning, it was weird for me to try to connect to ten thousand people and then become isolated. I don't mind it so much now. The quiet can be nice. After all it does give your voice and ears a break.

What's your favorite Rock N' Roll antidote on the road?

Adam: I really enjoy playing gigs. It does have a lot of strain on my voice. So, I try not to do a whole lot of talking in between shows. I had a friend that bought me a white board as a joke since I mostly have to text and email to communicate. I do talk when I absolutely have to but I mostly just hang out in a room and be quiet.

Out of all of the songs you have written, which either song or line has the most personal significance to you and why?

Adam: All of them are very personal. I never pick a favorite. The same goes with making the set list each night. We only pick songs that we feel like playing that night. That way we never get tired or sick of certain songs.

Are there any plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Recovering the Satellites next year?

Adam: Not really. I just thing those anniversaries are gimmicks to get people to buy things. At one point, Recovering the Satellites was my favorite record. We have talked about releasing a deluxe set of footage from that tour. We do have a lot of film from that time period.

What happened to the unreleased song, "Suffocate?" Will we finally hear a studio version?

Adam: Oh yeah, I remember that song! It was going to be on the album, Recovering the Satellites. The song was never finished. I just don't think it's good enough to be released right now. We have tried playing it and just never really got it.







Will you consider another impromptu project like your All My Bloody Valentines? The fan interaction was unique.

Adam: Yeah, my girlfriend and I had broken up a week before Valentine's Day. I didn't want to sit around and be miserable so I decided to learn a different song for each day of the week. I didn't sleep for about a week trying to learn those songs. All I had were recorded versions on my cellphone. So, it was a bit difficult at times. Afterwards, I tweeted for fans to submit art covers for the album and then had them vote for their favorite on Facebook. I might do something like that again someday.






Who is your guilty pleasure on the radio?

Adam: I don't listen to music on the radio, just online. The Weekend has that song from Fifty Shades of Grey that gets played a lot. That has to be good, right? For favorites I really love Miguel. He has such an incredible ear for melody! I think it's disrespectful to the artist to call them a guilty pleasure though. I remember promoting Justin Timberlake's first album on the Counting Crows website when it first came out. That pissed a lot of our fans off. Music moves people in different ways. If it's something that you enjoy then you shouldn't be ashamed of it!

Do you ever lurk on Counting Crows fan sites (Annabegins.com) and Counting Crows fan groups (Merry Murder of Fans)?

Adam: No, I haven't. I used to back in the day interact on the old AOL forums. I was able to build a community that led to the message boards on our website. There was no social media back then. Now I just communicate on our Twitter and main Facebook page.

REVIEW: Paul Stanley Woos The Roxy with Soulful Music

Written by Jessica Klausing

@FlipsideJess

Paul Stanley or better known as "The Starchild" among the KISS fandom took the stage with his 10 piece ensemble, Soul Station. The unmasked 63 year old rocker crooned soulful R&B covers to an intimate audience at West Hollywood's Roxy club. The band made their debut on Friday night.

The Soul Station lineup consisted of: Paul Stanley (vocals, tambourine), Longtime KISS drummer Eric Singer (drums, backing vocals), Sean Hurley (bass), Alex Alessandroni (keyboard), Ely Rose (keyboard), Rafael Moreira (guitar), Crystal Starr, Ayana Layli, Nelson Beato (backing vocals) and Ramon Yslas (percussion). 

Even though no KISS songs were played, Gene Simmons and Bruce Kulick were spotted showing their support in the VIP section.

"There was a time long ago when you'd turn on the radio and you'd hear songs written by real songwriters, sung by real singers, played by real musicians," reminisces Stanley.

A KISS member playing Motown and Philly soul is quite an unexpected surprise. However, Stanley explained his passion for these songs because of their optimistic messages and that they weren't created by a computer! The Temptations; "Just My Imagination", The Delfonics' "La-La Means I Love You," The Five Stairsteps' "O-o-h Child," and The Spinners' "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love" were just a few of the many classic hits in the setlist.

Ayana Layli and Paul Stanley
photo by Jessica Klausing

His vocals were a bit hard to hear, which were overpowered by the backups or drowned out from the bass. This caused a bit of a minor frustration among the audience. As some could be heard shouting for the mic to be turned up!

Stanley's impressive falsetto and Soul Station playing the songs' original composition made up for the minor sound problem. No over the top instrumentals or heavy metal riffs were used at all during the night. What better way to honor the greats than to play their music authentically.

"These songs mean a lot to us. They're beautiful songs. You could sway and touch the person next to you--you could also get punched in the face," jokes Stanley.

His positive attitude was very infectious throughout the night. The fans were seen swaying and singing along in an admirable fashion. Everyone seemed to have as much love for the classics as Stanley. No KISS song requests were being shouted out!

From left: Nelson Beato, Crystal Starr, and Ayana Layli
photo by Jessica Klausing

"We've got great, great singers. I would be nothing without these singers," Stanley admitted, referring humbly to his backup singers.

At one point lead vocals were passed to backup singer Crystal Starr during Jackson 5's "I Want You Back." Starr's powerhouse voice really uplifted the mood. She nailed every high note while Stanley played the tambourine. This was perhaps the biggest highlight of the night considering everyone was up and dancing at this point.

More Soul Station tour dates are expected to be announced soon. The show's performance will also be released on DVD. 

SETLIST

"Get Ready" (The Temptations)

"La-La Means I Love You (The Delfonics)

"Just My Imagination" (The Temptations)

"Ooo Baby Baby" (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles)

"Sideshow" (Blue Magic)

"You Are Everything" (The Stylistics)

"Tracks of My Tears" (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles)

"Let's Stay Together" (Al Green)

"Betcha by Golly, Wow" (The Stylistics)

"The Way You Do the Things You Do" (The Temptations)

"I Want You Back" (Jackson 5)

"Who's That Lady" (The Isley Brothers)

ENCORE:

"O-o-h Child" (The Five Stairsteps)

"This Old Heart of Mine" (The Isley Brothers)

"Could It Be I'm Falling In Love" (The Spinners)

RECAP: Camper Van Beethoven/Cracker Campout X 2014

Written by Jessica Klausing

@FlipsideJess

Campout 10 poster

  I have been a pretty big fan of both Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker for many years.

 Well, I started out listening to Monks of Doom first and worked my way back to Cracker and then Camper Van Beethoven . So, I'm a little out of order with things. I had heard of this allege “Campout” in a place called Pioneertown. Listening to Counting Crows This Desert Life, I had become pretty familiar with Pioneertown and Pappy and Harriet’s through the song, “Ms. Potter’s Lullaby.”

 In fact, it was listening to a Counting Crows bootleg that inspired me to want to make it out there someday. During a live version of "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby," Adam Duritz talks about wanting so badly to escape so he spends the night out in the desert. Adam's description of Pioneertown had really intrigued me. I wanted so badly to escape the confinement of the life I was living as well. I had spent most of my life in my dull hometown and was ready to escape like Adam.

 At the time, I was living in a small rural town in Georgia, between school and work; I never had the funds or time to fly out there. The closest thing I had in attendance was watching the first ever Campout on DVD. It was not until 2014, when I moved to Los Angeles that I would finally be able to attend my first three day annual Campout extravaganza.  

                                                     Thursday, September 11, 2014

                                                         Day 1: Crumb Initiation 

Yucca Valley

On September 11, 2014, I drove out to the high desert for a weekend I would never forget. Yucca Valley has a very chill vibe to it. Despite the dry desert heat, a sense of serenity washed over me as I stepped out of the car. The desert itself was beautiful. Nothing but sand, cactus, blue skies, rocks and Joshua Trees that stretched on for miles. This was the picturesque inspiration for any country western lyrics. I especially loved the fact that the little town was quiet all day and night! It was a much welcomed escape from the hustle and bustle of metro life in LA! Once I checked in to my respective hotel and was settled, I immediately wasted no time in getting to Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace.

Pappy and Harriet's bar
photo by Arie Haze

 The palace is a little restaurant and bar in the middle of nowhere complete with an intimate indoor and outdoor stage. It does not look like much at first but it has plenty of personality. This place is literally a gem buried deep within the desert. Robert Plant, Modest Mouse, and Vampire Weekend are just a few of the many all star talent that performs on these stages. The food is even really good! In fact, I ate there all three nights for dinner. I personally recommend the pulled pork sandwich. Around 6PM, all of the Campout attendees were to line up outside the palace for their festival bracelets. It was at that time I was introduced to many of the other fans in line.

Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker have a tight nit community of fans known as “Crumbs.”  The Crumbs consider each other more like family. I couldn’t agree more. Attending the festival alone, I was quite intimidated at first. It seemed like all the fans knew each other, except me. But  I was immediately introduced and literally welcomed with open arms into the group. It’s always great meeting other die-hard fans at various shows but the Crumbs are flat out the nicest, most welcoming bunch I have ever met.

Frank Funaro (middle) surrounded by the Crumbs
Photo by Arie Haze

Talking with the Crumbs, I became more familiar with the Campout customs. Each Campout day has a particular costume theme. Today was Funaro day. Everyone was to wear their Funaro shirts in honor of Cracker drummer, Frank Funaro. Frank suffered a severe arm injury that kept him from playing the drums this year. He was still there in attendance for Campout to support his fellow Camper/Cracker family. It was a real pleasure getting to chat with Frank. He’s a big flirt and such a delight to be around.

Cracker Duo with Greg Lisher
Photo by Arie Haze

 At around 9PM, Johnny Hickman and David Lowery opened Campout as the Cracker Duo with Greg Lisher. The Duo mostly performed stripped down acoustic versions of some of their hits such as "Low," "Dr. Bernice," and "Teen Angst." I really perked up as soon as Johnny crooned into my all time favorite Cracker song, “Another Song about the Rain.” Johnny’s haunting “Ahh Woo” vocals blend deliciously into the clash of his guitar. I can't get enough of this beautiful song. 








This Campout was a particular special one because both CVB and Cracker had new albums. Cracker’s new double album, Berkeley to Bakersfield was not available until December but the Duo played several songs from the album.









My favorite of the night was “King of Bakersfield.” This song has a nice old school Conway Twitty western sound with bittersweet lyrics. David explained that the Berkeley side is influenced by punk and garage while the Bakersfield side is more California country. It’s a nice record that showcases the band’s talents with both alternative rock and country. However, I tend to favor the Bakersfield side more. Maybe because it’s pure and gentle pace makes me yearn for the desert life?

                                                         Friday, September 12, 2014

                                                                Day 2: I Live in LA

Rose and Buster's Wine Bar

Jonathan Segel – 7:30pm- 8pm (outside stage)
Paul Chesne Band – 8:30pm – 9:15pm (outside stage)
Camper Van Beethoven – 9:45pm (outside stage)
The Dangers w/ Johnny Hickman – midnight – 12:45am (inside stage)

After an incredible first night, I was beyond ready to continue on with my Campout adventures.  During the day, I walked through the small town of Yucca Valley to check out the scenery, which included a stop in Rose and Buster’s Wine Tasting Bar. The owner, Buster is a local to the Mojave desert and just happens to be a Crumb. The bar is decked out in a swanky hippy desert style. Do the wine tour if you have a chance. Buster will treat you to an assortment of delicious cheeses and rare organic wines that can't be found in stores.

 It was also a pleasure bumping into many other Crumbs throughout the little town. Everyone was regaling last night’s performance and was hyped about the other bands for tonight’s lineup. Tonight’s costume theme was New Wave and Punk. I think Team Punk pretty much dominated the costume category for the night.

New Wave and Punk Crumbs
photo by Arie Haze

  Later that day, I returned to Pappy and Harriet’s for my dinner before the festivities began. As luck would have it, some of the guys from Cracker and CVB were having dinner there too. The cool part was I actually got to sit at an adjoining table with David Lowery and Jonathan Segel. Such great guys! I chatted briefly with them and Greg Lisher about music until our food arrived.

Pioneertown
photo by Arie Haze

 While the bands were setting up, I took a walk through the old abandoned Roy Roger’s western movie set, which is now Pioneertown. During certain parts of the day, some of the shops are open to the public. I found out that Kerosene Hat was recorded in the now closed movie soundstage. I like all of the Cracker albums but Kerosene Hat is my favorite and most listened to out of the bunch. It’s such a surreal feeling for me to just take in this area that was the inspiration for many of my favorite Cracker songs.

 Jonathan Segel and Victor Krummenacher
photo by Arie Haze

 Around 7:30PM, everyone gathered to the outdoor stage to watch Jonathan Segel. I don’t know really how to describe Jonathan’s set other than 'hippy trippy instrumentalpalooza.' I can dig it! Everyone else seemed to as well; as the smell of weed sure lingered on throughout the entire set.

Paul Chesne Band
Photo by Cathy Merriman

  The Paul Chesne Band was next up and managed to build on the psychedelic atmosphere with some grungy desert rock. “Wet Dog Man” is a gritty dive bar anthem for the rebels. I prefer the more old school piano based "Pink Champagne." The band has a solid blues meets twang sound in the lyrical style of Gram Parsons and Jeff Tweedy. It takes quite a bit to impress me when it comes to country. I will say that Chesne knows how to give a strong delivery.

The much anticipated Camper Van Beethoven took the stage next. CVB had just released their new duel albums, El Camino Real and La Costa Perdida. Similar to Cracker, each album takes you on a musical journey through the different parts of California. El Camino Real focuses on the darker sound of southern California, while La Costa Perdida has the more trippy northern California sound. Their music has always interfused psychedelic rock, ska, folk, European dance and pop. Expect the random. What else could you really expect from them?

Camper Van Beethoven
photo by Arie Haze

The band played quite a few of their new songs. My favorite of the set was "I Live in LA." Having just moved to LA, the lyrics reminded me of the bittersweet goodbye I gave to my friends and family before I left. Another favorite was  “Northern California Girls,” which is a sequel to the Beach Boy’s “California Girls.” Of course, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that it was a treat getting to hear the surfy hit "Take the Skinheads Bowling." Jonathan's violin styling complimented Greg's Telecaster along with Victor's bass, holding up the rhythm. These guys were in top form for the night.








 After the set, I managed to chat with Victor Krummenacher. I love and respect all of the guys for their hard work and talent, but Victor has a special place in my heart. As I stated earlier, I am a big Monks of Doom fan. I gotta admit I was a little bummed they weren’t on the bill this year, but Greg did confirm to me that a new album was in the works! I told Victor how much his music meant to me and that I just moved out here. He gave me a hug thanking me for coming along with a hearty welcome to California! It was definitely the highlight of my night for sure.

The Dangers with Johnny Hickman
Photo by Arie Haze

 At midnight, we headed to the inside stage for Johnny Hickman and the Dangers. Chris LeRoy and Johnny Hickman gave a powerhouse performance of pop hits such as "Lucky," "Stranger," and "Radio City." Their energy was contagious. This is the kind of music you expect to hear waltzing into a saloon. I was already wiped out from the previous bands but their esteemed brand of Honky Tonk rock kept me on my feet til the end.

                                                      Saturday, September 13, 2014

                                           Day 3: Crumbs, Crows, and Cracker OH MY!

Meet N Greet poster signing
photo by Arie Haze

Los Rios Rock School – 7pm – 7:45pm (outside stage)
Brant Bork and the Bros – 8pm – 9pm (outside stage)

Cracker – 9:30 pm (outside stage)
The Hickmen – 11:30pm – 12:15am (inside stage)
Victor Krummenacher Band – 12:45am (inside stage)

The last night of Campout. Just when I thought nothing could top the first two days, tonight just got better. Around 5PM, the Campout bands held a special Meet N Greet session. By special Meet N Greet its basically you buy the official Campout poster, and the bands all sign it in an assembly line fashion across the table. I defiantly wanted some token to commemorate this weekend, so I participated.

Los Rios Rock School
photo by Cathy Merriman

 At 7PM, the Los Rios Rock School opened the show. Los Rios Rock School provides programs to help teach kids to play instruments and record professionally. The owner, Tyler Marolf is such a nice guy and you can tell he is really passionate about helping his students. They covered many Cracker hits such as "Low," "Movie Star," and the crowd favorite, "Eurotrash Girl." I was amazed at the talent. I could see that the Cracker guys felt the same way. They stood off to the sidelines cheering the kids on. These kids really got into the music like seasoned professionals. One Crumb even exclaimed, “these guys are gonna be the headliners for Campout 50!” 

Brant Bjork

 Next up was Brant Bjork and the Bros. I can’t give you my actually review of them that night because I couldn’t hear anything! I had made it up to the front row at this point. Once Brant hooked up his double stacked amps, instinctively, everyone started putting on their ear plugs. I had never heard their music so I didn't think it would be such a big deal. Geez, was I ever wrong! Sure enough the bass was melting the skin off my face. All I could hear was BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, the entire set. I couldn't make out any words! One of the Crumbs felt bad for me and went to get me a pair of ear plugs. Even with the ear plugs, I still couldn't make out anything. Next time I see these guys, I will remember to stay in the far back row!!





Once I got home I did give these guys a proper listen before I made an opinion. I'm really glad I did because what happened next was unexpected.Their particular brand of stoner rock is the type of chill music you want to just listen to while laying on the floor staring up at the ceiling. It sounded a lot more aggressive in person.

Cracker
Photo by Mike Sausser

Everyone cheered as soon as Cracker took the stage. Tonight’s final theme was “I want out of this circus,” where the Crumbs and the band were all dressed in assorted circus attire. The stage was even decked out with creepy clown dolls. Everyone went all out for the last night of Campout. Tonight was my favorite theme of all. Everyone wore the most creative assortment of costumes and it felt more like a Halloween show than an indie desert rock festival.

Circus Crumbs
photo by Arie Haze

Cracker brought it home with some soulful country rock. The band played many of their popular hits, "Low," "Teen Angst," "Sweet Potato" and "Big Dipper" Johnny never fails to amaze me. A seasoned guitarist that can shred it during "Eurotrash Girl" and then change dials into a soulful blusey "Take Me Down to the Infirmary." Most fans have a favorite preference between Cracker and CVB. I really couldn't begin to decipher my favorite. Just like their double albums, they both represent different genres but compliment each other so well.

Ben Mize dressed as a clown
Photo by Mike Sausser

The biggest treat of all was seeing that Counting Crows ex drummer Ben Mize filled in as the drummer for the night! It was a mix of Cracker/CVB and Counting Crows music that had convinced me to pursue my lifelong dream of moving to California and coming to Pioneertown. Being here to witness the best of both worlds was beyond a dream come true for me. After Cracker’s set, I made a beeline to talk to Ben. He was such a nice, down to earth guy (as all of the guys are). We bonded over the fact that we are both Georgians, in fact; Ben nicknamed me “Georgia” for the rest of the night.  It was particularly cool getting to chat with Ben about This Desert Life (which is my all time favorite Counting Crows album).

Johnny Hickman
photo by Arie Haze

We both went inside for a few drinks and to check out the Hickmen. Johnny kept the party going with more electrifying Honky Tonk rock. After the Hickmen, I got a chance to chat with Johnny. He was such a sweetheart! He saw that the air was making me chilly so in an attempt to warm me he gave me several big hugs and a kiss.

Victor Krummenacher Band
photo by Arie Haze

 Victor Krummenacher Band closed out Campout. Being a huge fan of Victor’s music, I was very excited about his hearing his solo work. Victor's music is a cross mix of old fashioned country with a twinge of Irish folk. It's on a much darker side of the spectrum than the sarcastic CVB. Much like Cracker and CVB, Victor was also celebrating a new album release. His ninth studio album, Hard to See Trouble Coming was released earlier last year. "If I Could Only Close My Eyes" has Leon Helm type vocals with an emotional brooding of drums and pedal steel. Amidst the gloomy tracks, "If You Wont Break My Heart, I Wont Stand a Chance," has a slight early rock N roll feel that stood out for me.

Porch Stock 2014
photo by Arie Haze

 After Victor’s set everyone headed outside for the traditional Campout closer of “Porch Stock.” Porch Stock is basically Johnny and a couple of musician friends’ improvised sing-a-long jam session outside the Pioneertown hotel. This was quite a celebratory way to close out the 10th annual Campout!

                                                “Last of the great Pioneertown bars”

Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

Campout X has been very special to me. I have made lifelong friends and am very blessed to have spent three wonderful nights listening to incredible music in a breathtaking atmosphere. All of this made my hectic move worth it in the end. I can guarantee this will NOT be my last Campout! I look forward to more shows and making more Crumb friends. Thank you fellow Crumbs and to the CVB/Cracker extended family for memories that I will always cherish. If you are a music fan and want to get the hell out of the city then I encourage you to check out Pappyand Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. You will be glad you did! They always have talented musicians that perform there. Campout is usually held every September, unless otherwise noted. Tickets for Campout can be purchased on Cracker or CVB's websites.