The Scenestar

Devo @ The Music Box at the Fonda: Night 1 vs. Night 2

Photo by Leslie Kalohi

Devo played at The Music Box at the Fonda this week to promote the re-issue and re-mastering of two of their albums, the first evening reserved for the group's debut breakthrough, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We are Devo! with the second showcasing the band's commercial success, Freedom of Choice.

Immensely influential to so many musical acts of the past and present, Devo proved they are still as relevant as ever.  Both sold out concerts, supported by the eclectic and puzzling Reggie Watts, offered attendees unique and different experiences.  As fans tend to be more passionate about the Q & A album, did Night 1 reign supreme?  Or did the tried (and tired) "Whip It" still resonate amongst the die-hard fans in the crowd on Night 2?

Photo Gallery: Monsters of Folk @ Greek Theatre

 
Photo by Leslie Kalohi

Once the red curtain parted at the Greek Theatre, revealing the members of Monsters of Folk (Conor Oberst, M Ward, Jim James and Mike Mogis) in suit and ties, the stage was set for an elegant night of music. The formality on stage seemed to affect the audience, as later in the night My Morning Jacket's Jim James thanked those in attendance for being so respectful at this evening of "folk."

With no opening act, the men of Monsters of Folk entertained for two and a half hours with songs from their recent self-titled debut album, as well as several selections from each established member's catalogs. The real treat was hearing new interpretations of these favorites, whether stripped down with minimal accompaniment or lushly layered with everyone contributing, giving the chance for each member to take turns on vocal duties. When the curtain closed, calling an end to the concert, those in attendance knew they experienced something truly unique and special.

Photos from the evening can be viewed in the gallery below:

Photo Gallery: Monsters of Folk @ Greek Theatre

Photo Gallery: Fever Ray @ Music Box

PHOTO BY CHRIS MOLINA

One might find it quite difficult to conjure up the words that best describe a Fever Ray concert. It might fall somewhere under Norse mythology crossed over with a suggestive tone from the film The Fifth Element—sandwiched together in a pagan ritual with scattered vintage lamps. Either way, Fever Ray performed one of the most memorable concerts to have passed through L.A. this year. A very amusing following decked out in costumes and face paint scattered throughout the sold-out Fonda to pay respects to pseudo high-priestess Karin Dreijer Andersson.

Hang The DJs Celebrates 6 Years In L.A.

There sure is alot of birthday and anniversaries this month and this weekend we celebrate a current Los Angeles institution. Hang The DJs celebrates 6 Years of bring the party to the Eastside and is about to pull out all the stops to celebrate their long existence in the Los Angeles club scene!

Scarlett Casanova is bringing out all the stops for this one with Scenestar favorite Hercules and Love Affair & Sam Sparro spinning some sets along with a fashion show, free Colt 45 from 10:00pm - 11:00pm and more for those that are 18+. How can you go wrong? Entry is $8 all night so come on down and help Hang The DJs celebrate their 6 year anniversary this weekend!

Flyers and more info after the jump:

October 3rd: Hang The DJs 6 Year Anniversary at Loft 265

Photo Gallery: Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Orpheum Theatre

 
Photo by Leslie Kalohi

Perhaps it was just the nature of the seated Orpheum Theatre that prompted Rodrigo Sánchez, of guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, to comment that the audience was so well-behaved.  Yet, it didn't take long into the band's set to bring the sold out crowd to their feet, an occurrence that was frequent throughout the evening.

Playing a mix from their self-titled debut and their recently released sophomore effort, 11:11, the group effortlessly displayed the celebrated intricacies of their guitar-playing.  Despite just being a band of two, the sound brought on by the Mexico City natives (who now call Dublin their home) still managed to be rich and full, supported by Gabriela Quintero's ability to utilize every bit of her hands to create sonic masterpieces.

Photos from the evening can be viewed in the gallery below:

Photo Gallery: Rodrigo y Gabriela w/Rocco DeLuca @ Orpheum Theatre, September 25

Liberia Charity Event Today w/ Domingo 7

Today on September 10th, one of our Scenestar photographers, Amelia Tabullo will be hosting a Art Charity Event @ Gallery 1018 in Downtown Los Angeles with live music & local painters/photographers to help raise funds for the Strongheart Fellowship Program. Proceeds will go towards rebuilding a home in Liberia for orphaned kids who've dealt with the ordeals of civil war. (Currently the roof is being built, woo hoo!)

Please come check it out and have a good time. Here are more details about the event and how you can help at the jump:

Banana Split Sundaes Postponed Indefinitely

 

The tragic death of Adam Goldstein is also bringing an end to a Los Angeles clubbing institution that DJ AM helped build, Banana Split Sundaes. For the past three years, Banana Split Sundaes has hosted numerous DJ sets and live performances by some of the biggest acts in the world as well as introducing today's breakout stars. In honor of DJ AM, a new version of Banana Split Sundaes will be reincarnated in the near future in honor of Adam Goldstein's memory. For those of you that never got a chance to experience the party or kegs on the dance floor, a collage of Banana Split Sundaes have been compiled by friend of The Scenestar, Mark "The Cobrasnake" Hunter. R.I.P. Adam Goldstein

Banana Split Sundays Photo Collage

Photo Gallery: The Flaming Lips @ Fox Theater Pomona

Photo by Leslie Kalohi

What else can one say about The Flaming Lips that hasn't already been said before?  The Oklahoma City group brought their elaborate stage show to Pomona's Fox Theater this past Tuesday night, integrating standards like "Do You Realize??" and "She Don't Use Jelly" with new songs "Silver Trembling Hands" and "Convinced of the Hex" from the forthcoming album, Embryonic.

The Flaming lips would not not disappoint those looking for a spectacle and a shower of confetti.  The band translated well inside the indoor venue, with super frontman Wayne Coyne up to his usual crowd-pleasing antics.  Although no fake blood was spilled, the audience had the opportunity to "Shoot Wayne" with laser pointers that were handed out before the Lips took the stage.  The most amusing bit of the night came when smoke bombs set off the Fox Theater's alarm systems, causing a brief pause between songs while the venue had to be aired out. 

Photos from the evening can be viewed in the gallery below:

Photo Gallery: The Flaming Lips @ Fox Theater Pomona, August 18

Mew To Open "Mewseum" @ Zune L.A. Space

We love when bands take their art to another level. Whether it be Interpol Spaces a few years back or Underworld's recent art show, we love a little culture to go with our music. Mew is taking a page off that playbook and opening a "Mewseum"! Mewseum: A Sonic Experience is a six day art installation taking place at Zune L.A. on 8275 Beverly Blvd to celebrate the release of their new album No More Stories... out on Tuesday, August 25th. The "Mewseum" will consist of a six day cinematic installation, with a special performance on Monday, August 31st by Danish art rockers Mew!

Mew will perform an intimate show and premiere a video trilogy for their first three album singles created by award winning director Martin De Thurah. This will include the world premiere of their videos for “Repeaterbeater” and “Beach.” The "Mewseum" will run through August 29th until September 3rd and admission is FREE to all. "Mewseum" hours, news and local Mew tour days at the jump:

New Video: Amanda Palmer "If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out"

Amanda Palmer through the magic of her Twitter recently organized a free show at Huntington Beach. Footage was documented by a attendee and tossed up on You Tube for your enjoyment. Very nice! Amanda Palmer currently doesn't have any local shows to promote her new album Who Killed Amanda Palmer? but you never know if one happens to pop up if you're one of her Twitter followers. Are you one of ours? Be sure to follow us too at http://www.twitter.com/thescenestar for any news of interest and shows of the day!