In Concert: Radio 92.9 Ho Ho Hoedown

Is there a better way to celebrate the holidays than with adult beverages, fellow music lovers, good live bands and a Santa who throws free candy canes to the crowd?  According to Radio 92.9, there is NOT. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you the Radio 92.9 Ho Ho Hoedown of 2012.

A Silent Film

"Reaching The Potential"

I really enjoyed their set - very reminiscent of Snow Patrol, Keane and Coldplay.  They started the night out strong but not too crazy - just enough to get the crowd interested in them and what was to come.

Youngblood Hawke

 

Having the chance to watch these guys from backstage was a great experience.  I first heard of YBH during the summer (read more here) and have been following their crazy adventures and tour via Instagram and Facebook.  I would have loved to meet them, but hopefully they will get back to Boston another time soon.  The guys from AWOLNATION really like their music, or so Hayden from AWOLNATION told me.

From the moment Youngblood Hawke took the stage, they were totally invested in the show.  They rock some pretty crazy outfits which definitely matches their fun-loving and energetic show.  The crowd definitely loved when they played their single "We Come Running."

AWOLNATION

 I thought that the House of Blues was loud before AWOLNATION went on.  I was incorrect.  The place exploded when Aaron and the band took the stage.  They simply rocked.  

"Guilty Filthy Soul"

Thanks again to Radio 92.9 for a great night of music - who was your favorite band of the night?

In Concert - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals / Trampled By Turtles

My incessant concert contest-entering paid off again!  I won a pair of tickets from 92.5 The River to see Grace Potter and the Nocturnals (with Trampled By Turtles opening) on November 30th at the House of Blues - Boston.  It's one of my favorite music venues in the area - great sound and atmosphere.  I was especially psyched because we had access to the Foundation Room!  If I could model my future home after the Foundation Room, I would.  I have a photo of the Prayer Room as the background on my phone - such a beautiful place.

Trampled By Turtles

I had only heard one song by Trampled By Turtles - Alone (featured on #WhatchaListeningTo Wednesday a few weeks ago), but I was not disappointed by their set at all.  I loved "Victory" - "the rain came at the break of day/ your light in the windowpane, said come on in..."  TBT really got the audience's energy level up - I'd love to see them again, for sure!

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - Wow.  They know how to put on a show, and that they did.  Grace started out at the keys with a shawl-type covering draped over her shoulders, and heels on, and ended up losing both, showing off her short skirt and killer legs.  Damnnnnn, Gina.  

She told the crowd that she was "glad to be back home in New England" - I learned that she is from Vermont, and there were shirts at the merch table with Vermont on it.  

    

She dedicated "One Short Night" to "all you troublemakers in Boston."

Overall, a FUN show - I now understand why there were TWO sold-out shows!

Thanks again to 92.5!

In Concert: Kina Grannis (with Imaginary Friend)

I "introduced" you to Kina Grannis (@kinagrannis) back in January  and was finally able to see her and meet her this weekend.  She performed at The Paradise in Boston on Friday night, and was great!  Imaginary Friend opened for her, and joined her onstage for a beautiful cover of Coldplay's "Fix You."  For the majority of Kina's set, she was supported by Keith Tutt, II (@keithtuttII) on cello - his sound complimented Kina's voice beautifully.  Her lyrics really connect to and speak to the everyday person trying to deal with relationships, in my opinion.  

Imaginary Friend

 Kina with Keith

Kina taking video of the audience - she really loved the Boston audience!

So great to finally meet Kina - thank you to Bri & Jon for hooking us up!

We were joking around about how it would be great if Kina would bust out some "Free Bird" or some rap or something... and then she came out with this:

Yep, that would be Coolio's "Gangster's Paradise".  The girl can do it all, folks.


Highlights from Kina's set included:
World In Front Of Me - a great song to open with!
The One You Say Goodnight To
Valentine
The Goldfish Song
Message From Your Heart (she unplugged for this one, and encouraged audience participation)
In Your Arms - or, as my student refers to it, "The Jelly Bean Video Song"

Do yourself a favor and check out this talented chica on her tour if you can (www.kinagrannis.com) or at least just check out her youtube page. Let me know what you think!