Smashing Pumpkins at Viejas Arena

The Smashing Pumpkins returned to San Diego on October 13th to play for an enthusiastic crowd at SDSU's Viejas Arena. The first set was their new album, Oceana, in its entirety. The new album shows Corgan's maturity in the music business, and features the depth of the Pumpkins' musical talents.  Billy has always said he gets bored playing Gish and Siamese Dream tracks and is moving in new directions. The Oceana set sounded less melancholy than previous works, with complex rifts and melodies that old school Pumpkins fans seemed to enjoy. The second set was all of the classics. Billy seemed to be in a great mood on this fall night towards the end of The Smashing Pumpkins Oceana tour. We were not allowed to shoot from the pit at this show. The floor was packed and I forgot my zoom, but still got a few photos to exhibit.

Images by Doug Siegel

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Words by Izzy War
Vermont band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals played Asheville’s Orange Peel on October 4th.  They are known for their fiery live shows and their eclectic sound recalling 70’s classic rock.  The five piece band with songstress Grace Potter at the helm has been touring consistently since their inception almost 10 years ago. 

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Shockpocalypse

Shockpocalypse
At The Orbit Room
Grand Rapids, Michigan

When I heard that Pop Evil was putting on a show at The Orbit Room in Grand Rapids, Michigan it sounded like a concert to go to.   When I told my friends at work they thought I was crazy to go but probably would do the same thing.  After working 12 hours I hurried out of work and picked up my son to assist me in covering the concert.

Happy 87th Birthday to the Grand Ole Opry

By Butch Worrell Nashville, TN 87 years ago the Grand Ole Opry began it’s Saturday night radio broadcast, bringing the sound of country music to millions of fans.

A tradition that continues today in the same format with 30 minute segments hosted by Opry stars. A sense of family prevails among the stars and workers which makes this show unique. Tonight’s show featured Ricky Scaggs, Little Jimmy Dickens (still trucking on at 91 years young), the Whites, Ray Stevens, Riders in the Sky, Jason Aldean, Casey James, Mallery Hope, and Steve Warnier. The cake was rolled out by long time stagehand Gary leverett, son of the famous Opry photographer Les Leverett. Family counts backstage at the Opry.

BRUCE - MetLife Stadium 9/22-23 Happy Birthday Boss

Images and article by Bill Kelly
 
 63 years old.
 When most of us think of this milestone, images of quiet family dinners,  maybe a round of golf and, if lucky enough, pop a little blue pill and try your luck with the Mrs.  But not Bruce Springsteen - Playing before a sold out crowd that had waited through a 2+ hour rain delay, Bruce took the stage at home state New Jersey’s MetLife stadium and powered through a 33 song set, hitting the last note at 2:00am.

Citizen Cope at The House of Blues in San Diego

Images by Doug Siegel

Matisyahu at Humphrey's By The Bay in San Diego

Matisyahu played at Humphrey's By the Bay in San Diego on September 19, 2012. I have not seen Matisyahu since he changed his look and I didn't recognize him until I heard the same Matisyahu voice and realized he has chopped his hair and his beard. Matis played for a large crowd by the bay and played all the classics and several songs off his newest album Spark Seeker.

Images by Doug Siegel