Show Review & Photos: Ed Sheeran @ Showbox SoDo

Posted on 10/24/2012 by BBS

Ed Sheeran @ Showbox SoDo, 10/6
Show Review & Photos by Heather Fitzpatrick

Ed Sheeran

On October 6th, the line at The Showbox SoDo started in the early morning hours and by the time doors opened, it had nearly wrapped around the block. The crowd of 90% underage screaming fans swarmed to the front of the stage to see the latest “Brit” musician, Ed Sheeran, from across the pond play yet another sold-out show here in the States. I was the only photographer in the “pit,” but due to the overwhelming number of cell phones in the crowd snapping pics and recording videos, I chose to stay on the far sides of the wide open area reserved for myself and security so as not to be in fans’ shots. Ed Sheeran’s debut album +, was released in September 2011, and continues to top charts across the globe. He’s still on tour in Europe through the end of 2012, and has announced another headlining US tour for 2013. Two thirds of those dates have already sold out.

Ed Sheeran

Laura Gibson @ Neptune Theater

Posted on 10/23/2012 by Kirk

Portland-based Laura Gibson opened for First Aid Kit at the sold-out Little Big Show #4 at the Neptune Theater. Laura will be touring the western US during November then it’s off to South Africa in December.

Photos: Jonathan Russell, Kevin Murphy & The Cellar Door @ City Arts Fest

Posted on 10/22/2012 by BBS

The Head and the Heart‘s Jonathan Russell and The Moondoggies‘ Kevin Murphy got to do some solo work for City Arts when they played All Pilgrims Church. Also on the bill was the most wonderful The Cellar Door. Get some of The Cellar Door’s music for free right here. All photos by Kirk Stauffer:

Jonathan Russell

Kevin Murphy

The Cellar Door

Photos: The Jezabels & Eighteen Individual Eyes @ Bumbershoot

Posted on 10/22/2012 by BBS

Australia’s The Jezabels and Seattle’s Eighteen Individual Eyes, two bands with prominent female musicians, were a couple of the stars of this year’s Bumbershoot. Eighteen Individual Eyes start a West coast tour on November 2nd at the Sunset.

The Jezabels – photos by Kirk Stauffer

Eighteen Individual Eyes – photos by Simon Krane

The Jezabels – photos by Simon Krane

Show Review & Photos: Imagine Dragons & Youngblood Hawke @ Showbox at the Market

Posted on 10/21/2012 by BBS

Imagine Dragons & Youngblood Hawke @ Showbox at the Market, 10/2
Show Review & Photos by Heather Fitzpatrick

Imagine Dragons

Youngblood Hawke

I have to admit, I was pretty excited when I heard that Imagine Dragons was coming back to town. I absolutely had to see them again. They had previously played a show at Green River Community College this past May, and I was blown away by their music. To be honest, I am very selective about positive criticism when it comes to “mainstream” bands, but Imagine Dragons had what I was looking for. Imagine Dragons was formed in Las Vegas by four friends Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee and Daniel Platzman, and have been together since 2008. With the release of their highly anticipated CD, Night Visions – which includes their hit single & MTV VMA-nominated, “It’s Time” – they are definitely making an impact in the music industry and gaining a large fan base along the way. I would describe their music as Coldplay with a kick. Front man Dan Reynolds belts out meaningful lyrics and beats emotion into both a huge bass drum and a smaller snare right up front, center stage. On October 2nd at Showbox Market Dan was engaging with his fans, and numerous times he was nearly brought to tears as he thanked the sold out crowd for their continued support. After their set, fans who were slow to exit were suddenly shocked that the guys came out to the merch table to sign CDs, posters, shirts and even shoes! They have sold out nearly 100% of their entire fall US tour dates, and those who were able to grab tickets this time round to see them at these smaller venues can consider themselves very lucky. I have no doubt they will end up in larger arena style shows next time round.

Youngblood Hawke joined Imagine Dragons on their US tour, and this adrenaline-filled pop-tronic band from Los Angeles was a fun treat for the crowd. The quintet, comprised of Sam Martin, Simon Katz, Tasso Smith, Alice Katz, and Nik Hughes released their debut self-titled EP this past summer. Sam Martin and Simon Katz were previously members of the great Californian band Iglu & Hartly. When Iglu & Hartly went on hiatus, Martin and Katz decided to work on another project, and the result is a band you will want to see. They’re on tour now with Passion Pit and then will join Keane for shows in January. They also got to hang out with real sharks in their video for “We Come Running.”

Youngblood Hawke