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Concert Photography Reviews

Stephen Sanchez Brings Retro Vibes to Charlotte on The Troubadour Tour

Charlotte was transported back to the 1950s as Stephen Sanchez took the stage at The Underground on one of his last nights of The Troubadour tour. Fans were excited to see Sanchez perform live and went all out. Most fans arrived in style as they attended the show in vintage, classic ’50s-style clothing. After much anticipation, the audience was suddenly part of an epic yet tragic love story when Sanchez appeared on stage, narrating the love affair between songs. 

The performance was filled with excitement and all things the ’50s as Sanchez started his set soft and angelic with “Something About Her,” which became upbeat as he performed “Evangeline” and “I Need You Most of All.” Throughout the night, the stage overflowed with electrifying talent and added to the love story Sanchez was telling as he performed songs off of his album Angel Face. Along with his melodious voice, he showcased even more of his talents by breaking out his guitar on multiple occasions and intensely played the piano – one instance was while performing “Shake” alongside his bandmates. Aside from the concert itself and along with the narration of the love story, the performance even included a few humorous and lighthearted side conversations between fans and Sanchez himself.

Sanchez was also no stranger to the classics. Amid his performance, he whisked his attention towards his female fans, asking the audience, “Where are all my pretty women at,” as he performed a thrilling cover of Rob Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” dedicating the song to them. As a woman myself, I was completely touched by the gesture. 

In light of the holiday season, Sanchez even performed a snippet of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans’s “Silver Bells.” In addition to singing a couple of covers, Sanchez even performed a heartfelt tribute to Priscilla Presley, the wife of the late King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. He shared with the audience that she had seen them perform, and in dedication to Presley, he sang a cover of “Unchained Melody” in the most heartfelt performance I have ever seen from any artist I had ever reviewed. His cover of this romantic song personally made me love this man and his voice even more. 

Sanchez concluded the concert not only by thanking his fans on one of his last nights on tour but also by ending the night with “Until I Found You,” the dreamy and romantic song that captivated fans throughout TikTok and can be heard on the last episode of season 2 of Ginny and Georgia.

Overall, it was a pleasure to be a part of the love affair that Sanchez narrated and to see the troubadour in action, performing and bringing back the music and vibe of the 1950s, even if it was just for one night only. 

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Concert Photography music festival

Ultra Taiwan 2023

We should first note that Ultra came to Taiwan not once but twice this year, so Taipei was in for a treat as everyone danced the weekend away at the last festival of the year! Even the weather cooperated – strangely warm weather for December was perfect for relaxing on the grass during the day and then raving at night.

The festival kicked off on Friday afternoon with artists like Anfisa Letyago playing on the Resistance stage and KSHMR on the Main Stage where fans got to hear music he had never played anywhere else in the world yet.

David Guetta ended Day One of Ultra Taiwan, letting us know that it was his first show since he was in Ibiza over the summer. He played fan-favorites, both new and old, like “I’m Good (Blue)” and “Titanium,” which kept everyone on their feet dancing and singing until the firework and flame-filled finale.

On Saturday, Senna started us off on the Main Stage while fans wandered into the grounds and explored activities on the grounds like getting their hair done, taking photos with the Ultra Taiwan sign, and showing off their countries’ flags. We loved seeing all of the different flags from various continents around the world, which is always a reminder of how music brings us together.

Joleen and Taiwan’s own Dalis jammed at the Ultra Park Stage, welcoming in festival-goers as they entered through the gates, and Massano welcomed both the dancers and those who wanted to sit and listen at Resistance’s amphitheater stage as the sun set.

And the Main Stage floor was kept packed with DJs like Mykris and W&W, who played just before the high-energy Timmy Trumpet, whose trumpet playing and antics (which included drinking vodka from the bottle while running across his console) would cause the crowds to cheer wildly in delight.

Alesso closed out the festival with a pyro and light show-filled set and played songs that had everyone jumping and screaming out the words. From “If I Lose Myself” to “Heroes,” new cheers would erupt every time he transitioned into a new song. Before ending with another stunning firework show, Alesso said that he came and played here in Taiwan three years ago while the world was locked down, and he will cherish forever that moment because it was safe here in Taiwan to have shows. He thanked everyone from the bottom of his heart, and we know all of the people in the crowd were grateful, too.

Ultra, we’ll see you next year!

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Concert Photography

Dillon Francis @ Shrine LA

EDM staple Dillon Francis went on an electrifying run of LA shows from The Roxy to The Mayan Theatre before capping it off at Shrine LA to a packed house of electronic music lovers. Drawing inspiration from the infamous Nicole Kidman AMC commercial, Dillon Francis continued his comedy-infused electronic music brand by coming up with his own version to open the set, much to the delight of his audience (and really hitting home for those who really got the joke).

With a stacked roster of DJs playing from 8pm until the venue closed, the energy was building. The last headlining DJ of the night, Nitti (Formerly ‘Nitti Gritti’) built the crowd for Dillon Francis’ set, with intermittent moments of gratitude towards the audience and the city of LA. Many of his most known hits were in full effect, such as “Your Body” and “What You Got” sending shockwaves into the bouncing crowd.

Dillon’s closing set could only be described as a nonstop dance party filled with lots of lasers and EDM bangers. He dove into some of his classics like “Get Low” and “Move It”, while also treating the crowd to his newer tracks “LA On Acid”, “Can’t Stop Me Now”, and many other mixes from his 2023 release This Mixtape is Fire TOO. Fans also heard a few songs from anti everything, another album  released this year in collaboration with DJ Hanzel, who was also featured as an opener for the night.

There was no shortage of good vibes at Shrine LA, and fans went home happy after dancing and vibing all night to Dillon Francis’ head pounding mixes. Check out the images below, taken by Kenny Jusino.

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Concert Photography Reviews

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness at the House of Blues in Cleveland

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness performed a truly unique concert experience at the House of Blues in Cleveland Ohio on Saturday December 2nd for his New Friends tour. Andrew McMahon, formerly of the band Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin, began releasing music under Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness back in 2014 and has continued releasing incredible music.

McMahon delivered a phenomenal high-energy show from start to finish. This dynamic set had multiple guests onstage, frequent visits to the crowd, and even featured a fan onstage for the song “Highdive.” The show was complete with stunning camping visuals, a kooky park ranger, shadow puppets, marshmallows, and last but not least – a crowdsurfing llama. A major highlight of the show was when McMahon invited members from Wildermiss and Michigander onstage for a performance of “New Friends” all while tossing marshmallows to the crowd. If Andrew McMahon and his llama are set to crowdsurf through your town, don’t miss out. Check out the gallery below for photos from the show.

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Concert Photography

Baroness at the Agora

On Friday November 24th Baroness rocked the Agora Theater and Ballroom in Cleveland Ohio. Heavy metal band Baroness have been out on their Sweet Oblivion tour following the recent release of their sixth studio album Stone. Take a look at the gallery below to view photos from the show.

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Concert Photography

Madeon at The Shrine LA

There are two types of lives you can live–the life you live before you have seen Madeon live, and the one you live after. Less of a concert and more of a spiritual encounter, Madeon rocked The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Friday November 18th for the last of his Good Faith Forever era, the culmination of 5 years of his work and vision.

Hugo Pierre Leclercq, better known by his artist name Madeon, has been in the spotlight for over a decade, emerging as a new artist after releasing his popular “Pop Culture” mashup on YouTube in 2011 when he was only 17 years old, earning six million views in just a few days. In this viral phenomenon, several of his musical influences were mixed together in a way that was never quite seen before, but quickly drew comparisons to the likes of Daft Punk, Justice, and other French House icons. Madeon capitalized off of this fame and released his first EP The City in 2012, followed by his debut album Adventure in 2015, leading us to his most recent album Good Faith in 2018.

With this, Madeon created a unique live experience for his fans, coined as The Good Faith Forever tour. Combining emphatic live music with striking visuals and vibrant colors projected onto a full-size LED screen, the experience is unlike any other. The halls of the Shrine Auditorium buzzed with excitement as loyal fans awaited the legendary French Electropop artist.

Leading the night was BAYNK (full name Jock Nowell-Usticke), a New Zealand-born electronic artist. His atmospheric blend of tropical house and future bass tracks allowed for his airy vocals to delight the crowd, rising up on popular tracks “Water” and “go with u.”

Madeon commanded the stage immediately with “All My Friends”, with the infectious bass line and crunchy synth leads, there was not a single attendee sitting down by the first song. With a setlist that many have come to know over the past couple of years, a few surprises were thrown in the mix alongside the expected heavy hitters such as “No Fear No More,” “Icarus,” “You’re On,” and “Be Fine.” Certain songs were electrified with bonus mixes and overtures featured in “The Prince/Hyper Prince” and “Technicolor/Innocence,” adding more juice to an already high-octane display. Fans were even treated to “Shelter,” a popular song in collaboration with fellow DJ Porter Robinson, who unfortunately did not grace the stage for a guest appearance for the song (although it would have been awesome.)

I was reminded just how special a Madeon show is after experiencing this final Good Faith Forever show. I’ve been following his work for over a decade now, and I am insanely proud of his progression as an artist and cannot wait to see what’s in store for the new phase of Madeon. If after reading this you’re curious about checking out a Madeon show, you may have to wait a bit to see him on stage again, but I can promise you it will be well worth the wait.

See the gallery below for photos of both Baynk and Madeon.

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Concert Photography

Tool at TD Garden

Transcending the boundaries of conventional rock, Tool’s concert was an otherworldly journey that left the audience spellbound. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the band took the stage, shrouded in an enigmatic aura that mirrored their intricate, progressive soundscapes. From the pulsating rhythms of drummer Danny Carey to the ethereal vocals of Maynard James Keenan, each member of Tool showcased virtuosity, creating a sonic tapestry that defied easy categorization.

Early on, Kennan reiterated the edict posted on the walls and seats of the TD Garden: No phones. And certainly no video/photo. Keenan said that the band was there to present an experience and one couldn’t enjoy it with their phone out. Jarring for sure, given how much we need our phones these days, but the majority of the audience respected the request (the predator-like focus of the security roaming the aisles certainly encouraged compliance.)

The weird thing was, that the show was better without the phones. The mesmerizing visuals, including intricate light displays and mind-bending projections, complemented the sonic assault, plunging the audience into a surreal experience. Without the phones, the performance and the visuals were even more poignant and outstanding. People were not focused on whether or not the video was quality enough for the socials. Rather, the epicness of the lights, lasers, and trippy visuals created a perfect complement to the band’s music.

The setlist, a meticulous blend of classics and newer tracks, kept the energy high, leaving the crowd in a state of collective euphoria. Tool’s concert wasn’t just a performance; it was a sonic odyssey that pushed the boundaries of what rock can be, solidifying their status as pioneers in the genre. Always an amazing show.

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Concert Photography Reviews

Shakey Graves at Roadrunner Boston

Shakey Graves’ live performance at Roadrunner in Boston was nothing short of a sonic revelation, an electrifying journey through the soulful intersection of folk, blues, and rock. The venue pulsed with energy as Shakey Graves. His raw, gravelly vocals soared through the air, weaving tales of heartbreak, resilience, and wanderlust. Backed by a phenomenal band, the performance was at once an intimate affair with a genuine rock vibe.

Shakey Graves was poignant and sincere while playing but in between songs he joked and related to the crowd. He alerted the venue that there was a theme for the night and then midset asked if the crowd had guessed the theme. People tossed out guesses, but the game ended when someone from the audience yelled out, “David Lee Roth.” Shakey Graves laughed and agreed leaving us to wonder whether or not that was the actual theme. All this to say, he has a dynamic stage presence and genuine charisma showcasing himself as a captivating storyteller, effortlessly inviting the crowd into his musical world.

The concert was a masterclass in genre-blurring brilliance, leaving an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to witness this spellbinding performance.

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Concert Photography Reviews

Coco Jones performs at The Underground in Charlotte

Coco Jones not only knows how to put on an amazing performance on-screen, but also dazzled her audience at her sold out show at the Underground in Charlotte, North Carolina on the second leg of her first headlining tour named What I Didn’t Tell You. 

Jones’ supporting act Haben gave a heavenly and melodious performance and the audience a glimpse into her new music, and then Ebony Riley gave a soulful and upbeat performance and was not afraid of sharing with the audience of her life experiences. Riley had also made inspiring and thoughtful dedication to her foster parents, who were present during her performance, through her song “Save Me.”

As Jones took the stage, the audience, who were with her through her Disney days and/or new music career, were ecstatic to see her perform. Talent and beauty radiated the stage as Jones performed music from her album What I Didn’t Tell You, such as “ICU,” “Double Back,” and “Caliber.”  At one point of the show, despite what seemed to be slight technical difficulty on stage, Jones continued the show by singing a capella to the audience, including some of her earlier music such as “Holla at the DJ.” 

Overall, the show was everything I personally expected it to be: to see such talented artists grow through their music as they continue to navigate their way through their careers. For Haben and Ebony Riley to give such beautiful and vulnerable and soulful performances was inspiring as they continue to express their experiences through song. For Coco Jones, it was nostalgic, yet amazing to see her grow from a teenager on Disney Channel to a young woman touring on her first headlining show. 

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Concert Photography

Old Dominion, Kylie Morgan, & Chase Rice

Old Dominion took their No Bad Vibes Tour to Los Angeles on October 27th along with Kylie Morgan and Chase Rice. Take a look through the gallery below for photos from the show!

Photographed by Ryan Young.