Fistful of Mercy's Live Debut Stops Traffic You have to check this out.  As some of you may know, Joseph Arthur, Ben Harper and Dhani Harrison (honorable mention to the lovely Jessy Greene on violin) have formed a brand spankin' new band called Fistful of Mercy.  The band performed their first "gig" last night at Easy Street Records in Seattle (fine store I may add) and let's just say things got a bit out of control.  How out of control you ask?  Check out ... Read More

Joseph Arthur, Ben Harper & Dhani Harrison Form Fistful of Mercy OK fine, so Rock it Out! Blog and Antiquiet beat us on posting this, but ConcertConfessions favorite Joseph Arthur (along with Ben Harper and Dhani Harrison) have formed a brand new band called Fistful of Mercy.  They have posted a vimeo video for a track that shares a name with the band that you can view below.  The trio’s debut album is due October 5th and rumor has it a tour shall follow ... Read More

Listen to Blitzen Trapper Live at the 2010 Newport Folk Festival For Free A little over two years ago, a network that was once known for playing music videos sent me out to a day long music festival at Universal Studios Hollywood.  They had one mission for me – take as many photos of an up and coming band based out of Portland Oregon.  That band was Blitzen Trapper.  My initial reaction to the group was Bob Dylan backed by Modest Mouse covering Wilco.  A ... Read More

Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, Jace Everett 7-18-10 Cuthbert Amphitheater, Eugene, OR Review by Phishbeard On July 18, 2010, I had the privilege of going to see Lyle Lovett and his Large Band in concert at the Cuthbert Amphitheater in Eugene, Oregon. This venue is very park like and quite cozy. The Handicap accessibility, available restrooms, and food vendors were all up to par and the weather was very pleasant for the entire show as well. Many of the concert attendees brought in coolers ... Read More

Rusted Soul Revue 04/29/10 The Libertine - West Hollywood, CA words/photos/videos by concertconfessions.com For about 18 months, Rusted Soul Revue vocalist/lead guitarist TD Moyer was my own Snuffleupagus.  My pal/guitarist Shawn Hitchcock swore up and down that he existed – much like Big Bird told his neighbors for years.  While the Sesame Street gang finally did meet Snuffy in the fall of 1985, I met TD last July 4th weekend, walking around the streets of Long Beach (or as we call it – the land ... Read More

Joseph Arthur & The Fairy-Moans (w/ Chris Joyner) 04/23/10 The Stronghold - Venice, CA Words/Photos/Videos by concertconfessions.com To say my life has been flipped upside down this week would be a colossal understatement.  With my mind somewhere far away, I stood against the brick building that is The Stronghold unaware that Joseph Arthur was about to invade my personal thoughts and help sooth some very mixed emotions.  Standing outside on yet another chilly spring night, the entertainment started long before the doors opened.  Patron after ... Read More

Phish 3D 04/20/10 The Bridge Theatre - Los Angeles, CA Words/Photos/Videos by concertconfessions.com Upon coming home from Festival 8, my goal was to write 8 reviews of the epic Halloween party hosted by the rock band Phish.  However fatigue, writers block and the real world reared it’s ugly head and I tapped out at 7, or so I thought.  While clear from, Speculation back in October was that Phish was going to release an IMAX 3D film from the bash out at the Empire Polo ... Read More

     Joseph Arthur & Friends (with  The Dough Rollers, Penelope Fortier and Harper Simon) The Stronghold - Venice, CA 04/16/10 Words/Photos/Video by concertconfessions.com While most Southern California music fans flocked to the desert for Coachella, I mooched yet another ride to Venice off my wonderful wife.  Sure, it would be fun to see the likes of DJ Lance Rock and Jay-Z amongst the lush green polo fields and towering palm trees; but when it comes to Friday nights in April there is no place I would rather ... Read More

Joseph Arthur & Friends (w/ MK & the Gentlemen & "Juan") 04/09/10 The Stronghold - Venice, CA words/photos/videos by Reverend Justito/concertconfessions.com Over the months after my first Joseph Arthur show, I was angry.  In the months since my second Joseph Arthur show, I have become geeky fan boy obsessed.  I have hit both indie and big chain record stores filling the gaps in my compact disc (yes I still buy those) collection.  I printed out some guitar tabs and began the process of learning how to personally ... Read More

Joseph Arthur 01/23/10 The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Reverend Justito/concertconfessions.com   As I shared here recently as a FROM THE VAULT post, the last time I saw Joseph Arthur, we didn't really connect.  In the weeks and months that passed after that warm summer night, I actually began to get angry.  What was wrong with me?  I have listened to this man and his music time and time again and I allowed weird vibes and distractions ruin our brief time together.  Not permitting ... Read More

Joseph Arthur 07/15/2008 The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos by Justin (note, this review was first published at MTVnews.com.  I have shared it From The Vault as I will be paying Mr. Arthur a return visit at The Troubadour this Saturday Night.) The teams were supposed to be even - 3 straights and 3 gays. However, at the last minute one flip flopped and we found ourselves with the upper hand at 4-2. As we sat open, pillow-filled booth down the street from the Troubadour ... Read More

Phish – Festival 8 10/30-11/01/2009 – Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin Sunday morning/early afternoon at Festival 8 was nothing short of perfect.  I made my way to the venue pretty early in hopes of getting an 8 shaped donut and coffee along with a free scoop of Phish food in exchange for a busted old cell phone.  While I managed to get my ice cream, I never made it into the 45 minute line for a free donut and coffee.  Why would ... Read More

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO - 8/3/09 Words/Photos by iheartmoshing This is the 15th year for Warped Tour but for me, it was only my third year attending. Out of the three I've been to, this ranks as the best, not only because of the awesome bands on the tour, but of the great experiences I had while I was there. My day at Warped Tour included seeing: I Set My Friends On Fire, Underoath, Black Tide, NeverShoutNever, Breathe Carolina, A Day to ... Read More

Ani Difranco.  July 1st.  Mountain Winery, Saratoga California Words/Photos by jhallead   "She just get's it"   That is what my best friend and I must have said to each other 5 times during this concert.  Ani Difranco is absolutely amazing.  This was the first time I had seen her live and it was the best concert I have ever been to....and I have been to many.  Granted, it was at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California, which is one of the best venues around.  The crowd ... Read More

Mandy Moore 05/26/09 Amoeba Music - Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos By Justin For years, I have had a crush on Mandy Moore. If my wife and I were to play that silly game where we made a list of those we are allowed to cheat on, she would be close to the top of that list. I mean lets be honest here, I went and saw License To Wed in theaters and it was not because of my fellow Bay Area native Robin Williams. So when ... Read More

May 2, 2009 My main problem with singer/songwriters is their live acts: if it don't rock my socks off, it's going to bore me to no end. The pretty songs that singer/songwriters produce, are more suitable for cozy nights in front of the fireplace rather than an evening in a smokey club, smelling the armpit of my too-close neighbor. After a couple of songs, you start feeling your feet getting tired, your back screaming in protest of having to arch in unusual ways ... Read More

[gallery] One of my favorite bands Interpol, hails from New York City and are seen as the Dark Princes of Pop. Comprise of Paul Banks, Carlos D., Daniel Kessler and Sam Fogarino.  Interpol has attained an immediate level of success thanks in part to their song craft and to the visual appeal of the band,  greatly manifested in bassist  Carlos D.  The cult of Carlos D. has been covered by many magazines and T.V. channels over  the years.  Carlos does oozes city cool, but it is his playing ability ... Read More