Voxtrot @ Great American Music Hall

San Francisco, CA

Most of the music venues I go to are either 21+ or have a separate area for the boozers.  Sometimes at shows I’ll see kids standing outside hoping to hear some music or meet the band. It makes me smile because I used to do the same thing. I feel sorry for them then go inside, order a drink, take some photos and feel grateful that I don’t have to stand outside anymore. The Cool Kids played at the Roseland on March 8 and I photographed it for Willamette Week’s Local Cut. It was an all ages show but the underage crowd made it memorable. They were so excited to be there and knew all the lyrics. During the last song the band let them go up on stage. Afterwards, the kids hung around to get autographs and had the Cool Kids sign everything from their ticket stubs to their sneakers. It was adorable.

R.I.P. Mark Linkous

Music Millennium turned 40 and the Dharma Bums reunited for a show in their honor. They were suppose to be the big breakthrough band of the Pacific Northwest but instead Nirvana, who used to open for them, exploded. The show was highly charged and meant something different to everyone who was in attendance. Music aside, I was excited by the involvement this show had with my circle of friends and the bliss demonstrated by frontman Jeremy Wilson. Fresh Young Fellows and Derby opened.

On February 5th, I photographed the Album Leaf with Sea Wolf at the Doug Fir. I’m a big fan of both bands but the Album Leaf has a special spot in my heart since they’re also from San Diego. I think that Jimmy LaValle is brilliant. He’s always been a key player in the music scene down there while I was growing up. You can see more photos including some of Sea Wolf at Melophobe. Despite what the review says, I thought the show was beautiful.

Shepherd Book is Portland’s newest two piece metal band. On Monday afternoon we decided to check out a Megachurch and rehab compound thats been abandoned for the past five years. What we found were the remnants of an old cult, toxic mold and penis graffiti on almost every wall. Band photos below, penis graffiti to follow in the next couple of days.

words: Amy J Gauthier

photos: Ro Tam

for Bluegrass Undergound

Dressed for a funeral, the Silver Jews took the stage for their final show.  About 300 lucky fans gathered not six feet under, but 333 feet underground to pay their respects.  The performance was held at Cumberland Caverns, an underground cave in McMinnville, TN.  Mr. Berman played his 15 favorite songs with no encore. He opened the show by letting his fans know that “If you’re in a position in your life, where you need to make a change, this is the best time.  If you’re stuck, try saying no.” As ‘We Are Real’ opened the show, David told his fans, “I’m saying yes for the last time.”

From the moment they started to play, the crowd knew this was a different Silver Jews show.  People were very humbled by the decision David Berman has made to quit the music business.  It was more of a celebration of the life of the Silver Jews than a funeral.  Many stood with tears in their eyes, and even David got emotional as he started to play, ‘Room Games And Diamond Rain’.

The band played better than ever.  David’s voice lifted the walls of the cave in perfect harmony.  It was the most focused and serene Silver Jews show the fans had ever seen.  The usual shouting of favorite lines was kept to a low whisper.  Many of these fans had come a long way to say good-bye.

Bob Nastanovich revisited the drums one last time, as they played ‘Trains Across The Sea’.  Bobby Bare Jr. also made a quest appearance singing backing vocals on ‘I’m Getting Back Into Getting Back Into You.’

As the show was coming to an end, Cassie’s stunning bass rang through our ears the intro to, ‘Smith & Jones’.  The excitement of the fans was boundless, even within the walls of the cave.  Although this was the last show, the fans knew it was the Silver Jews forever, and ever, and ever and ever!