Metro Times Blowout 17 - Friday Night

I made three out of four nights for Blowout this year, and while that has some disappointment to it, I have to respect my limits. I did make it to Hamtramck on Friday for a bit, and saw two bands that I'll tell you all about right now. This will conclude my run of posts from Blowout!

First up is an all-girl rock group out of Rochester -- I actually used to teach several of the members a few years ago, but they've come a long way since then. Electric Graffiti has great stage presence and instrumentation, and remains a group of young musicians to watch for the future. Here they are on stage at Small's, which is a pretty amazing venue to play so early in a career.

Of course, when I asked them how school was going, they didn't care much to reply. Always, the awkward teacher-outside-of-school stereotype remains, I suppose.

Afterward, I headed to Kelly's on a recommendation from my friend and co-worker Sean. Friends of his from high school, collectively Amateur Anthropologist, played a set that loudly shook the bar that always seems like a house to me. Comparable to Queens of the Stone Age or the rock side of punk, I would highly recommend following Sean's advice to check them out.

That's it for my work from #MTBlowout. I didn't make the last night, and that's okay. Get ready for a lot of California shots all this coming week! 

#MTBlowout, Night Two!

Last night was second night of Metro Times Blowout 17, and the first night that the action came to three cities at once. Again, trying to shoot on a school night (I can use that phrase, I'm a teacher) proves difficult, so I was only out for two bands last night. I ventured to the Rust Belt Market in Ferndale for some folk songs, and was not disappointed.

First up were the DeCamp Sisters, a folk duo from up the road. Alternating a steel guitar and a banjo between them, they played fantastic songs about books and drowning, while talking here and there about horse birthdays. Great musicianship, excellent harmonies, and lovely melodies. You can listen to them and see their fantastic cover art at their bandcamp page. Here are some photos:

I was so happy to get this shot.

Afterward, Dolfish (a guy named Max) took the stage, and gave the kind of folk performance I love. His songs were incredibly catchy, and by his own proclamation, sad stories presented in a funny way. I'll admit I laughed at his pain more than once, especially on "I'm proud of you Joanna," but it was his personality that made it possible. Never has a man with an acoustic introduced a song before as his "CLUB BANGER," and I was more than willing to accept that each track was, truly, a banger (by non-Haverford definitions). Look him up at his bandcamp, and check out the pictures below.

That's all I had time for, but I'm really enjoying Metro Times Blowout so far this year. I intend to make it to Hamtramck tonight unless I just run out of steam, and then tomorrow (Saturday) will be Ferndale again, where the Rust Belt will have a food truck rally. I love food, you guys. Anyway, see ya.

Metro Times Blowout 17 - Launch Party

Hi all! I've still got tons of California posts to grace your eyeballs, but in order to be timely, I've decided to wait on those until next week and post the photos from Metro Times Blowout  as they happen over the next several days.

Last night was the Launch Party at the Magic Stick/Garden Bowl, and while I was only able to stay for a little over an hour (day job and a cold), I did get some great shots.

Oscillating Fan Club started off the night. Excellent rock and roll.

Next up was the country-folk vibe of Ryan Dillaha and the Miracle Men -- and yes, they covered Elvis Costello along with their own excellent tracks. Extremely talented musicians, and a guitarist that actually solos. And I mean SO-LOS.

I ended with watching Ronny Tibbs and the 305s. I only caught a few songs before I had to get home, but it was truly an amazing mix of styles -- and the first time I've seen a particular instrument on-stage.

I headed out early, but there were tons of other great bands, and plenty more to come over the next several days. On my way out, I even ran into some students I taught in 7th grade, now sophomores, who were picking up their passes -- they'll be playing Smalls on Friday night! Shout out to you, Electric Graffiti.

One last thing I would like to mention -- a lot of photographers were at this event, both from Metro Times and otherwise. Some were incredibly courteous, and others were just worried about their shot. Don't forget that other people are trying to watch the band and you might be blocking them. Also, don't forget that you are watching the band. Clap at the end of the song -- it isn't a good time for a picture, and that band is up there working just like you. Also, wearing headphones while photographing a band from the front row communicates to them that you are just working, and don't give a care about them. Think about that.

I'll keep up with posts from #MTBLOWOUT all weekend!