15 Favorite shows of 2007

I tried for 10, but, it just wouldn’t work. So here are my favorite 15 shows that I attended and photographed this year.
15 Favorite Shows of 2007

In chronological order:

White Magic at Mercury Lounge at Mercury Lounge

Starts softly and then beats you over the head with their energy

A Place To Bury Strangers at Club Europa

Like an explosion.

Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin at Mercury Lounge

I really liked these guys and were very impressed when mid-set, they swapped instruments with one another.

The Thermals at Bowery Ballroom

The audience matched their energy that night – it was fun and scary at the same time.

The National at Bowery Ballroom

Simply amazing.

BrakesBrakesBrakes at Mercury Lounge

This was one of the nicest bands I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this year – and their songs will blow you away.

Aeroplane Pageant at Bowery Ballroom

Great guys, Great music, Great light show…..

Pela at Bowery Ballroom

The boys first headlining show at Bowery and they sold out! I was one proud Mama!

The Party Faithful at Luna Lounge

They’ve had a tough year. That night they had everything right.

John Vandersliceat Bowery Ballroom

Fun night. I met a bunch of NYU students that night – we had a blast.

Shade at The Delancey

Amazing energy and musicianship

O’Death at White Rabbit

O’Wow! Not to be missed, check them out!

Foals at Bowery Ballroom

Got to Bowery earlier than I had planned to and was happily surprised with one of my favorite performances of the year – look out for these guys

Band of Horses at Bowery Ballroom

It was a treat to see them at Bowery (it was packed). I’m glad that I was there.

Francis and The Lights at Galapagos

This is probably the #1 best show I saw this year.

To view the collection of photos from these shows, click here

Family Hour With Auntie Sara 12/28/07

Family Hour With Auntie Sara

So, this is with my new lightweight camera (not as crisp as the ‘other’, but, my back says, ‘thank you’).

For More Photos, click here

Christmas Eve Photos

Christmas Eve Photos

Working this week? Me too…

so, here’s a bit of fun from my friend, Jeffrey Yamaguchi

The Announcement:

Happy Holidays!!

Wishing all of you a wonderful Holiday!

Reflections 2007: PELA

This is the last entry in reflections of 2007 series. This is one of the last photos I took of Billy from Pela this year – and their last show of the year. And so, a fitting closure here.

This was Pela‘s CMJ show at the Bowery Ballroom. Billy was in rare form that evening and was quite playful with the audience. It’s been wonderful to watch him become comfortable on Bowery’s stage over the past year. He looks right at home here.

Reflections 2007: Morton Lorge

Taken outside of Pianos after Thank Cock It’s Friday. I had been outside earlier and saw someone leaning in that spot and just loved the way that the shadow fell across that person. When I asked my friend Morton to take his portrait (for the 30 Days project), I knew that I wanted that effect for him. He was laughing through most of the short shoot – but this shot – he nailed that mischievous look.

Reflections 2007: Aeroplane Pageant

Aeroplane Pageant at Southpaw 11/16/07

I took some photos of these guys at the Bowery Ballroom a few months ago. For me, they were the highlight of the evening. During CMJ, I went out to see them again. Another stellar performance. During some email exchanges, I asked their manager if I could include them in my portrait project. They agreed and I went out to Southpaw to shoot their portrait – and then their show. These are some of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Check them out: www.myspace.com/aeroplanepageant

PELA – New Tour Dates

PELA New Tour Dates

Tickets for NYC go on sale Friday 12/21/07

All with Liam Finn opening and Apollo Sunshine at the NY show.

2/27: Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn
2/29: Schubas, Chicago
3/01: 400 Bar, Minneapolis
3/04: High Dive, Seattle
3/05: Doug Fir, Portland
3/07: Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco
3/08: Spaceland, Los Angeles
3/10: Hi Dive, Denver

Reflections 2007: Nate Martinez

Nate with Pela at Bowery Ballroom. Nate is quite an amazing guitar player – big sound – know what I mean? I love this photo of Nate screaming along to “Cavalry”.

Nate is one of the most straight forward people that I’ve ever known. I joke that he is my ‘favorite’ Pela (in reality, I love all of them so much, how could I have a favorite). I think it’s because Nate won’t argue with you. He just tells you like it is and I need that.

Reflections 2007: Jeffrey Yamaguchi is "Working For The Man"

I found Jeffrey on MySpace – 52 Projects. Then, I found him on Flickr. He has been a wonderful supporter of my work and invited me to his book release party. I had a blast! The book, Working For The Man, is hilarious and he agreed to let me take a portrait for my 30 Portraits in 30 Days project.

Reflections 2007: Pela’s CD Release Party

This was such a fun night. Pela had released their first full length CD and Mercury Lounge was sold out! I was so proud of them.

Billy and Nate. I had bought a new lens that very day in order to get wider shots of the band. This is the first show where I was able to get multiple band members in the same shot.

One of the luckiest shots I’ve ever taken. Pela used some strobe lights (you KILL me). I never have much luck with strobe – but this shot worked.