The Bay Abridged: Aug 3 – 16
(illustration: Cassidy Miller) In this recurring feature known as The Bay Abridged, our staff writers provide short, witty recaps on shows they attended around the Bay Area. A scene check, a heat check, and sometimes more — stop by every other Wednesday for the most comprehensive and concise recap of the Bay Area concert scene. Bryan Ferry, LP at The Masonic (SF) Aug. 9. Bryan Ferry and his ensemble came out like a steamroller. They leapt into a set that included deep cuts from the Roxy Music archive, dug into his extended solo career, and threw in several covers of [...]
The Bay Abridged: May 25 – June 7
(illustration: Cassidy Miller) In this recurring feature known as The Bay Abridged, our staff writers provide short, witty recaps on shows they attended around the Bay Area. A scene check, a heat check, and sometimes more — stop by every other Wednesday for the most comprehensive and concise recap of the Bay Area concert scene. Myra Flynn at Hotel Utah (SF) May 26. Even after seeing 31 bands in 3 days at BottleRock, Myra Flynn's beautiful voice still echoes in my ears from her intimate set at Hotel Utah. Soulful, heart-soaked ballads filled the tiny club as she belted out [...]
Will Sprott releases Vortex Numbers on his new label
Photo: Shana Cleveland It's been over four years since Will Sprott has released new material, but he's back with the release of Vortex Numbers, out January 20 on his very own Hairdo Records. Sprott says he's recorded "about 21 songs" over the past few years, and Vortex Numbers contains the ten that he wanted to share with the world. He's shared a video for the track "Psychic Lady" off the album, confirming that Sprott's music is still simply as cool as it gets. http://youtu.be/vuj2poDdcCQ Vortex Numbers is the first musical release on Sprott's Hairdo Records, but it isn't the first [...]
Greg Ashley, Will Sprott, Yea-Ming play benefit for Oakland's Octopus Literary Salon on 7/12/13
The Octopus Literary Salon will be the next big thing in Oakland. Bookstore, cafe (yes, there will be good food, beer and wine), music space, sure, but The Octopus will be so much more. There will be storytelling, literary trivia, readings, book club, ping-pong, children's programming and an open mic as well. Mastermind Rebecca Grove will make it happen with your help! If you like books, music, and talking to live humans about books and music, please donate now on the IndieGoGo site. T'will be your home away from home. There are some great perks with donation! Help make this [...]
Review & Photos: Jason Lytle, Jenny-O, Will Sprott, Michael Statis @ Brick & Mortar Music Hall, 2/26/12 (Noise Pop 2013)
Photos by Nicole L. Browner Noise Pop 2013 kicked off with an easy going show at Brick & Mortar on Tuesday night. Although I only caught their last three songs, SF locals Michael Statis brought a catchy rock ‘n roll energy to start the show, banging through their set with enthusiasm. Will Sprott, formerly of the Mumlers, has a soft but engaging stage presence, and fully embraced the opportunity for his soul/folk infused music to capture the entire audience’s attention, despite its low volume. Sprott was emotive and light-hearted at the same time, smiling on stage and laughing along with [...]
Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser tomorrow (9/15/12) with Ian Fays and Will Sprott band at the Blue Macaw!
Just a reminder that tomorrow, Saturday, September 15th, is the Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser that everyone is talking about. Enjoy not one but TWO! incredible bands! Support Team Menstrual Cycles! Help find a cure!!! Will Sprott plays great solo gigs around here quite regularly, but it will be a very special treat indeed to see him with a full band. Will is sure to soothe your soul with his mmmmm toasty vocal delights. Take that, Quiznos. The Ian Fays will grab your heart right through your ear canal, then squish it with a smile. You will dance, you will cry. You [...]
Help raise money for Multiple Sclerosis with Will Sprott and The Ian Fays at the Blue Macaw, 9/15/12
The annual Waves to Wine bike ride will cruise across the golden gate bridge in just a few weeks (September 22-23). The two-day, 175-mile ride is a major fundraiser for the National MS Society, and money goes directly to innovative programs, services and research. There are more than 180 teams riding this year, including one very special team... Team Menstrual Cycles is the little team that could. Sporting quite a few biker gynecologists (bicycle that is) and the most amazing team shirts around (available for purchase!), they have grown to be top fundraisers for the cause, bringing in over $100k [...]
Mixtape: Songs to accompany your Woodyspotting
Lauded director Woody Allen and his film crew descended upon San Francisco recently to begin work on an upcoming movie, giving rise to the sport of Woodyspotting. Here's how it works: San Francisco residents take to Twitter to report on Woody's latest filming location. Simple, right? As a tribute to the acclaimed filmmaker, we've compiled a collection of songs inspired by his often oddball, but nonetheless illustrious, film career. (Note: you’ll have to be logged in to Spotify to enjoy it) 1. Bhi Bhiman, "Equal In My Tea": From SF troubadour Bhi Bhiman comes a pitch-perfect example of how Allen's [...]
Mixtape: 2012 Rock Make Street Festival Preview Mix (Podcast #285)
Mixtape: 2012 Rock Make Street Festival Preview Mix (Podcast #285) On Saturday, September 15th, 2012, The Bay Bridged will be joining Tartufi and The Bold Italic to throw the fifth annual Rock Make Street Festival, an all ages, all day celebration of local independent music, arts, crafts, and food at Treat Avenue and 18th Street in the Mission. Rock Make 2012 will feature two stages of local indie bands and 70 arts and crafts vendors, as well as great food and beer for your all day enjoyment. Rock Make is one of the rare opportunities for the Bay Area's DIY [...]
Review & Photos: Temescal Street Cinema returns with Will Sprott! PLUS Guantanamo Baywatch, Chuckleberries and Courtney & the Crushers at the White Horse AND the art of Max Nordile 6/14/12
Portland's Guantanamo Baywatch closed out a perfectly orchestrated Thursday evening in Berkeley. It all began at 8pm, opening night of Temescal Street Cinema, where Will Sprott played a soulful set to a crowd of unprepared film buffs. The set woulda sounded just right in a smoky little night club circa 1959, but it sounded pretty damn good on Telegraph Ave. Although Will's band The Mumlers are awful quiet lately, Will is playin' around town fairly regularly. He will be in SF on June 21st for BAMM TV. It's free but you should RSVP here. August 20th he plays the Redwood [...]