Photos: Looking for live music? Andrew St. James is performing in the city
Andrew St. James (photo: Ian Young) It's been roughly 5,432,400 days since in-person live concerts were a thing (or at least it's felt like it) but Andrew St. James has been scratching that itch by driving around San Francisco and playing to intimate, socially-distanced crowds in various neighborhoods. Joined by guitarist Scott Padden, the pair delighted crowds at multiple stops last Saturday, including in front of the Balboa Theatre, along the Great Highway, and next to Buena Vista Park. For 15 minutes at a time, St. James and Padden helped bring a sense of normalcy, levity, and human connection to the [...]
Photos: Shopping at Rickshaw Stop
Shopping (photo: Ian Young) Besides a few people wearing masks and gloves, Tuesday night seemed like any other night at Rickshaw Stop. A full crowd was buzzing with energy (and probably beer, let's be honest) in anticipation of seeing two impossible-to-google post punk bands: Britain's Shopping and LA's Automatic. Shopping is a powerhouse of frenetic energy, thumping bass grooves and catchy hooks that can convince anyone to dance their cares — or worries about a global pandemic and economic meltdown — away. Automatic was a delightful surprise for many in the crowd, and they gained dozens of new fans after [...]
Photos: Drama at the Independent
Drama (photo: Ian Young) Chicago duo Drama — who also own San Francisco's Chisme Cantina in the Lower Nob — brought a super dance party to Super Tuesday at The Independent, The first of two sold-out shows at the Indy, Drama's full set exuded high energy and positive vibes. Opening the show was Chicago rapper Ric Wilson, whose showmanship and smile made him an instant hit with the crowd.
Photos: Emily King at Swedish American Hall
Emily King (photo: Ian Young) Two sold-out nights at Swedish American Hall awaited singer/songwriter Emily King this weekend in San Francisco. King, who was recently nominated for two Grammy Awards, played an energetic and soulful acoustic set to a rapturous audience. See photos from the magical evening below.
Photos: Meernaa, The Y Axes, Spooky Mansion bid farewell to Amnesia
Spooky Mansion (photo: Ian Young) Amnesia is the latest victim of a rapidly changing San Francisco, but before the beloved Mission bar and club closes its doors at the end of the month, three local favorites helped bid it farewell on Friday night. Check out photos of Spooky Mansion, The Y Axes and Meernaa below, and make sure to visit Amnesia for one last beer before it's too late.
Best Of 2019: Ian Young’s favorite show photos from 2019
Princess Nokia (photo: Ian Young) It was another year of incredible live music, from catching my favorite artists playing at my favorite festivals to discovering new acts playing in new cities and new venues. In total, I photographed 104 shows and 9 festivals, seeing a total of 394 performances. (Thank goodness for earplugs and insoles.) It was also a year where I explored new ways to express myself artistically, expanded my photography comfort zone, met some amazing new photographers, and of course had a helluva time in the pit. It may only last for three songs, but the photo pit [...]
Photos: Andrew St. James at the Chapel
Andrew St. James (photo: Ian Young) Santa came early this year in the form of local musician Andrew St. James, who christened the Chapel with his Fast Times! party, a raucous night of music featuring the best Bay Area bands. Check out a gallery of Andrew's performance below and make sure not to miss the next Fast Times! when it rolls into town in the near future.
Beyond the Bay: Penelope Isles at Oslo Hackney in London
Penelope Isles (photo: Ian Young) Penelope Isles have been hard at work this year. The Brighton-based foursome, who are originally from the Isle of Man, got signed to Bella Union, released their debut album, and embarked on a world tour that saw them play over 90 shows. They played Bottom of the Hill earlier this year, but I caught their incredible set across the pond in London earlier this week. Check out photos of the show below!
Photos: Madame Gandhi at Slim’s
Madame Gandhi (photo: Ian Young) Madame Gandhi graced Slim's on Monday, December 9 with her explosive percussion and thought-provoking lyrics. The touring drummer, who's played with the likes of M.I.A. and Kehlani, masterfully mixed empowering messages with energetic beats and catchy hooks. Check out a gallery of photos from the show below.
Photos: Julia Jacklin at the Independent
Julia Jacklin (photo: Ian Young) Julia Jacklin has had an incredible year, selling out Swedish American Hall in May and now the Independent Saturday night. The lucky few who were able to get tickets were treated to an evening of emotionally-charged, beautifully-sung, and brilliantly-played music that could break your heart and mend it again all in the span of five minutes. And for those who stayed until the end, Julia brought down the house with a rousing rendition of Avril Lavigne's "I'm with You." Touring partner and opening performer Christian Lee Hutson warmed up the crowd with his original songs, [...]