Live Concert Coverage

A Night of Unstoppable Energy: Neck Deep at Philly’s Franklin Music Hall

I headed down to Philly’s Franklin Music Hall for an evening of pop–punk by the Welsh band, Neck Deep. I’ve seen Neck Deep before and their energy and stage presence never fail to impress, they really know how to work a crowd of fans and newcomers alike. The venue was packed from the barrier to the back door and the top of the balcony.

Neck Deep is on tour for their newly released album Neck Deep. The setlist included 8 out of the 10 songs off Neck Deep and the crowd’s reaction was overwhelming.

 The band exploded on stage with the opening track from the album entitled “Dumbstruck Dumbf**k” and the crowd was immediately ignited with unrelenting energy. It was amazing to see fans instantly start yelling the lyrics at the top of their lungs, bodies surfing to the front of the stage in full force, not giving the security forces a chance to breathe. The punk kids letting their adrenaline go wild in the mosh area.

The guys kept the energy up the entire night, jumping and leaping around the stage, their fast and blistering guitar riffs and powerful drums and bass, held up by frontman Ben Barlow’s impassioned raw, and powerful voice.

Neck Deep is one of those bands that will never leave you dissatisfied. They have extremely high energy and have a way of sending shockwaves into the crowd.

Sammy Rae & The Friends Ignite The Fillmore in Philadelphia

There are times when you come across an artist and they completely challenge your expectations in a way that leaves you reeling after you’ve heard and seen them perform live for the first time. Sammy Rae & The Friends was that band for me. It took only one performance to make me a believer in their magic.

Sammy Rae & The Friends are deep-rooted in soul, funk and R&B. Sammy Rae, backed by her incredible band, their performance at The Fillmore in Philly had me grinning from ear to ear. And make no mistake – this band is meant to be heard by the naked ear.

Before anyone sings a note, before the first drumbeat, the crowd buzzes with energy. The audience is in complete uproar when the band finally hits the stage. The stage simmers with the performance. Weaving between up-tempo numbers with metaphoric lyrics conveying powerful messages, Sammy Rae & The Friends take us on a life journey. As the set moved along and the party intensified, it was obvious that the band dialed in its sound. The band’s energy on the stage is why they continue to grow their fan base with no end in sight.

Though her incredible voice and energy were a large part of the concert experience, Sammy Rae’s presence on stage was about spreading love to her bandmates, ensuring the audience had a very clear understanding of how crucial each member was to the equation. Every member brings the energy to an even greater level of expectation. Every one of them had many moments to share that night.

The band’s energy on the stage is why they continue to grow their fan base with no end in sight. Making them feel like old friends is one way to ensure they will come back for more, and making sure they have a great time is another. Sammy Rae & The Friends did both extremely well

Brigitte Calls Me Baby Brings a Generational and Classic Sound In Their Debut 2024 Album

Captures by Steve Cerf

Words by Erin Hunter

It’s hard to be timely and even harder to be timeless, but Brigette Calls Me Baby is on its way to achieving both.

 At The Lounge at the World Cafe in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brigitte Calls Me Baby performs a sold-out show while on the East Coast/Midwest leg of their national tour. Philadelphia-based Alternative/Indie band, Tisbury’s, opened the show, performing their local hit Garden, which has been featured on WXPN Radio.

 

When Brigitte Calls Me Baby performs, frontman Wes Leavins sings, he teeters around amplifier chords, microphone stands, and fellow bandmates, stopping to fold forward and push out the next note– deep and emotional and full of vibrato– rising as the note reaches a dramatic crescendo reminiscent of Roy Orbison, Elvis, and Orville Peck.

 

Newly signed to ATO Records, Brigitte Calls Me Baby is set to release their freshman album, This House is Made of Corners, in 2024, according to their Spotify. Their music is timely because it is timeless, as it recalls early rock and roll and the sounds of Americana Rock, Indie, and Post-Punk Revival. This is apparent in the band’s recent hit ballad, ‘Eddie My Love,’ which balances an upbeat rhythm with lyrics about heartache and Leavens’ angsty, emotional voice.

 

Their music connects audiences of all generations. I see 2 middle-aged women in the crowd close their eyes and move their hands like tree branches while a guy screams the spontaneous “You guys rock!” An older gentleman vigorously shakes his head and films bassist Devin Wessels, who moves closer to the fan’s camera for a generous close-up shot, while I (a Gen Z’er) sway my hips side-to-side and feel nostalgic about a time during which I wasn’t even alive.

 

When I decided to come to the concert, I only knew 2 of their songs, but I came away liking the entire setlist. Brigitte Calls Me Baby understands that going forward may mean looking back at the music that has shaped all of us over the generations.

Tisbury’s

Tinashe’s Dazzling Display of Music & Dance at The Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia

As the lights dimmed and the stage illuminated, the screams and cheers from the crowd echoed throughout The Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia.

Tinashe stepped on to the stage, her presence captivating the packed venue. Everyone was spellbound by her presence. Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, now known as simply - Tinashe - is a singer, songwriter, dancer, engineer, & producer -can I possibly add any more credits? Her music is described as a combination of R&B, pop and electro R&B, though she feels she “does not fit into any particular genre.” She is on tour in support of her new album BB/ANG3L 

She’s a mesmerizing performer and her live show was truly spectacular. Every part of the show is tight, flawless and entertaining. Effortless showing off her dancing skills, the intricate choreography, visuals, and Tinashe’s stage presence showed she’s a big-time performer ready for even a bigger stage. And she doesn’t only look amazing, she sounds amazing also, her voice soaring and dipping with every note.

Tinashe gave it her all. Incredible vocals, choreography, glitz and glamour. She’s not only earned industry respect but also her fans, who were audibly excited throughout her performance. It’s been a while since I’ve seen an audience respond with such energy and passion

Grace Potter: A Night of Wild Energy @ The Fillmore - Philly

January 31, 2024

Grace Potter knows how to bring a party. Unruly, wild & eager for a great time, Grace was in her element on stage at The Fillmore in Philly.

Performance seems to come naturally for, as Potter takes full control of the stage as she keeps the spotlight fixated on herself throughout the night. Her energy is infectious. Grace owned the stage as she energized the crowd with songs from her recently released album, Mother Road. Definitely her Best Release yet!

In a world filled with talented artists, Grace Potter found a way to stand out from the pack. The talent and passion behind this dynamic performer are both genuine and rare and her sound is all her own. Grace Potter has a bright future ahead of her as she continues to carve out a niche for herself in the music industry.

Coverage for Asbury Park Vibes.

Torres at The Foundry in Philly: A Night of Lyrical & Vocal Magic

January 31, 2024

If you haven’t heard of Torres, you’re missing out and I don’t say that lightly. The Brooklyn – based singer-songwriter is on the verge of making waves in the indie-music world.

The reason why is that her lyrics rattle around your head well after you’re done hearing them – which is the sign of a true lyrist. Her voice slides over the notes with ease. Now, I’ve seen dozens and dozens of musicians sing beautifully live but not many can do it with such a relaxed sense of confidence. That is the magic of Torres.  She is truly captivating without even trying.

Torres is touring for her newest studio album, What an Enormous Room, released just days ago at the time of this writing and already gained rave reviews. Torres and her band kicked off the performance with the album’s title track, “Happy Man’s Shoes” with its hard hitting, pulsating rhythm, grabbing the crowd’s immediate attention. Of her 15-song set list, seven were from What an Enormous Room.

Torres had an amazing connection with the crowd. She was at ease when interacting with her audience throughout the show. Discussing her Baptist upbringing and coming to terms with her metamorphosis to her recent marriage. Speaking directly to her audience and explaining the meaning behind the songs. She poured unbridled emotion into the performance.

Without a doubt, Torres is a performer that has the substance to back up the buzz surrounding her. And with the release of What an Enormous Room, Torres continues to push the envelope of both sound and live performances.

Coverage for Asbury Park Vibes.