“Two of a Perfect Trio” featuring King Crimson members Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto
Date: Friday, September 30th, 2011
Venue: FTC’s Stage One in Fairfield, CT

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

As King Crimson’s Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto took the stage at FTC’s Stage One, a keen observer of detail in the audience decided to point out “Hey!! You’re missing your Fripp!”  However, from the first note played to the final closing bows, the crowd that gathered for this stop of the “Two of a Perfect Trio” tour were enthralled and mesmerized with all-things Crimson (and many things non-Crimson) even if Robert Fripp, the ever-esteemed founder of one of progressive rock’s most heralded bands, wasn’t the master of ceremonies.

The “Two of a Perfect Trio” tour was conceived of during the “Three of a Perfect Pair” Camp, a week-long music camp that took place in mid-August that allowed its campers – musicians and non-musicians alike – to learn from and hang out with Belew, Levin and Mastelotto.  The resulting show allows two trios Tony Levin’s Stick Men and the Adrian Belew Power Trio to each perform a set, and concludes with a third “Crim-centric” set in which various combinations of each trio’s members perform together.

With bass guru Levin on the polyphonic Chapman Stick (as well as his trusty Music Man 5-string electric complete with his patented “Funk Fingers”), Markus Reuter from Innsbruck, Germany on a custom “Touch Guitar” of his own design and drummer extraordinaire Pat Mastelotto delivering a solid funky beat interlaced with a myriad of electronic percussive sounds, the Stick Men set the tone for the three-hour show with a mighty roar in the form of the instrumental “VROOOM” from King Crimson’s 1995 album “Thrak”.  The trio then dove into a number of Stick Men originals and concluded their set with an improvisational rendition of Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite”.  Despite Reuter’s stoic stance throughout the band’s entire performance and Levin’s sometimes goofy lyric and semi-spoken lead vocals, all three “Sticks” were clearly enjoying themselves and never failed to deliver virtuoso performances and music that, while progressive and complex, was always accessible and – for one particular audience member – reason enough to put on her buh-buh-buh-buh-buh-boogie shoes.

Adrian Belew and the other two members rounding out the “Power Trio”, longtime bassist Julie Slick and newcomer Tobias Ralph on drums, began their part of the show with a sampling of Belew’s solo work (including “Young Lions”, “Beat Box Guitar” and “Of Bow and Drum”) that had much more of a pop music feel than the thickly-layered and sometimes semi-schizoid songs that King Crimson are well know for – although the trio did manage to sneak in the seldom-heard “Neurotica” from King Crimson’s 1982 album, “Beat” which served to remind the audience that they aren’t just a trio – they’re a POWER trio.  As was the case with the Stick Men, Belew and company closed their set with a long-form instrumental piece, a section from Belew’s “e”, a five-part suite that Belew performed in tandem with a full orchestra in Amsterdam earlier this year.

With her long curly hair and bare feet, the Power Trio’s Julie Slick revealed that she can lay down a serious bass groove that perfectly accompanies the extensivearray of bending, swirly and occasionally aggressive sounds that Belew can deliver via his signature series Parker Fly guitar.  Drummer Tobias Ralph delivered all of the goods and then some.  Taking the place of Julie’s brother, Eric, for this tour, Ralph positioned himself behind a fairly simple drum kit (at least in comparison to Mastelotto’s) and pounded out rhythms and beats that would make former King Crimson and Yes uber-drummer, Bill Bruford, envious.

The much-anticipated “Crim-centric” final portion of the show opened with Crims Levin, Belew and Mastelotto doing spot-on renditions of latter-day King Crimson tunes such as “Three of a Perfect Pair” and “Elephant Talk”.  Other players from each trio joined in to accentuate other powerhouse Crimtunes such as “Frame by Frame” “Thela Hun Ginjeet” and the always-blistering “Red”. Even the ballad-esque “One Time”, featuring a subtle yet powerful solo vocal by Belew, managed to work its way onto the set list.

But the defining moment of the show happened in the improvised back and forth drum duel that prefaced Belew’s lyric in “Indiscipline”.  Instead of the serious and somewhat cold super-precision that was at the core of the battle between Pat Mastelotto and Bill Bruford when this song was performed throughout the 1995 “Thrak” tour, Mastelotto and Ralph brought a whimsical and humorous quality to their bombastic exchange of phrases and licks that would rarely (if ever) be seen at an actual King Crimson show.  As Belew exclaimed at the end of the song with arms outstretched in a Rocky Balboa-esque stance, “I LIKE IT!!!”  As did all who had assembled in the Court of the Crimson King.

The “Two of a Perfect Trio” Tour continues through until October 29^th.  For a list of dates and venues as well as ticket information, visit http://www.adrianbelew.net/ .

“Wasting Light Tour 2011”
Foo Fighters, Rise Against, Mariachi El Bronx
Date: Sunday, September 25^th 2011
Venue: First Niagara Center Buffalo, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Foo Fighters, Rise Against and Mariachi El Bronx played the newly renamed First Niagara Center (formerly HSBC Arena) in downtown Buffalo on September 25^th to a capacity crowd in support of the Foo Fighters latest album release titled ‘”Wasting Light”. Mariachi El Bronx took the stage first and baffled the audience with their full on mariachi performance complete with outfits that appeared to be straight out of a Cinco De Mayo parade. The group played a brief lackluster 30 minute set which was more than enough for the crowd as well as for front man Matt Caughthran who aptly announced that he was extremely drunk.

Next to take the stage was the Chicago area band Rise Against who despite sound issues related to the PA provided a high energy performance. The band played a variety song which included “Re-Education (Through Labor) and the fan favorite Savior which are both from the bands “Appeal to reason” album. Even though problems with the PA caused lead singer Tim Mcllrath’s vocals to sound like he had a mouth full of marbles the band still put on a performance that made you want to jump up and pump your fist to the catchy sing along choruses.

Last to take the stage and entertain the now capacity crowd were the Foo Fighters. As the house lights went out the crowd was instantly on their feet a spot where they would remain for the next two and a half hours. Dave Grohl and the band treated concert goers to hit after hit playing fan favorites such as “Monkey Wrench”, “My Hero” and “Learning to Fly”. The set also feature a variety of songs off the band’s latest album “Wasting Light”. Songs such as “White Limo”, “Walk”, and “Rope” followed suit and fit right in with the classic tracks complied from the bands 16 year career. The big highlights in the set and of the night came when Grohl mentioned the 20^th anniversary of his previous band Nirvana’s landmark album “Nevermind”. As the crowd roared with appreciation Grohl brought out special guest fellow Nirvana band member Krist Novoselic who would go on to play accordion on the track “Skin and Bones”. This truly was a treat for fans as Novoselic has made very few appearances since the suicide of Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain. From there the band took it to a whole new level belting out a stunning rendition of Pink Floyd’s “In The Flesh” complete with lasers which shot out from the stage and only added to the already impressive light show. The band also performed the Tom Petty classic “Break Down” which instantly turned into a singing match between the band and the crowd. To cap of an already stellar evening Grohl performed three acoustic tracks which included “Best of You” before returning to the stage to perform “Everlong” like only the Foo Fighter could.

Despite rough starts by both opening acts the Foo Fighters really brought it to the Buffalo crowd. More and more these days you see less and less bands touring or putting on a quality show that compares to the extremely high ticket prices. Yes the price of tickets were high for this show however Foo Fighters fully made up for that by playing a two and half hour set that was so spot on it was if you were listening to the album. Combine the stellar performance of the band with a state of the art light system which even incorporated the floor of the stage into the production and you have only half of what the Foo Fighters offer. If the group comes even remotely close to your town or city pay the money and drive the distance as shows like this are a very rare occurrence.

Rise Against Set List:
1.)    Re-Education (Through Labor)
2.)    The Good Left Undone
3.)    Satellite
4.)    Audience of One
5.)    Ready to Fall
6.)    Make it Stop (September’s Children)
7.)    Help is on the Way
8.)    Prayer of the Refugee
9.)    Give it All
10.) Savior

Foo Fighters Set List:
1.)    Bridge Burning
2.)    Rope
3.)    The Pretender
4.)    My Hero
5.)    Learn to Fly
6.)    White Limo
7.)    Arlandria
8.)    Breakout
9.)    Cold in the Sun
10.)  Stacked Actors
11.)  Walk
12.)  Monkey Wrench
13.)  Let it Die
14.)  These Days
15.)  Skin and Bones (w/ Krist Novoselic)
16.)  This is a Call
17.)  In The Flesh (Pink Floyd Cover)
18.)  All My Life

Encore:
19.)  Long Road to Ruin (Acoustic)
20.)  Best of You (Acoustic)
21.)  Times Like These (Acoustic)
22.)  Dear Rosemary
23.)  Breakdown (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Cover)
24.)  Everlong

9101 International Drive – Suite 2310 – Pointe Orlando
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-480-5233
Running Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When you come to an Eddie Griffin show, you can easily expect your ass off. That was exactly the case with this show as well and nothing was safe relationships, politics or religions. What I like most about Eddie Griffin, which you can read in our interview with him, is that he doesn’t prepare much for his show. When he gets out on stage he just goes with the flow and speaks whatever is on him mind. He also says what everyone is thinking and no one is saying.  Some topics are edgy and controversial but he proves he is a smart guy and backs up what he is saying but also throws the funny twist in there. He is very engaging with the audience and pokes a little fun but all in good intentions.

Throughout our show, Eddie was enjoying his French champagne very much, which probably caused him to run about 30 minutes over his allotted time. Either way the audience loved it and he made it clear that this is his last stand-up tour (hopefully not forever), so it was no holds barred. In my eyes, I did feel though that the last 30 minutes dragged a little due to it being more audience based and less content based, but overall the show was very entertaining and packed with non-stops laughs.  If I have another opportunity to catch a show I will be there in the drop of a hat.

The Big 4 Yankee Stadium
Date: Wednesday, September 13^th 2011
Venue: Yankees Stadium, the Bronx, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The most anticipated concert on the east coast in quite some time took place Wednesday, September 13^th in the most unlikely of places. The newly built Yankee Stadium located in The Bronx borough of New York City played host to an announced crowd of 41,454 rabid metal fans who turned out to see The Big 4 which consists of Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica. The concert was a one off show put on by the New York Yankees organization and for each band it was the first time the 4 legends of thrash had shared a stage on the east coast and, only the 2^nd time the bands have played together in the United States. The Big 4 had previously played several large shows overseas in the spring of 2010 before rejoining on April 23^rd 2001 for a performance in Indio, California. That concert marked the first time the 4 had ever played together in the U.S. In July of 2011 the 4 bands once again flew overseas to perform 5 shows that included a stop at the famous Knebworth Sonisphere festival in the UK.

Growing up with these 4 bands on my bedroom walls it was only natural that I immediately freak out when it was announced that they were touring together. Even though I would have to wait over a year before they reached a venue that was feasible for me to attend it was worth the wait. Though the concert was held mid week it did not deter fans who like myself had waited so long for something like this. Anticipation was high as the thousands of fans waiting to get into the stadium at 2pm slowly made their way through the gates as security was fairly heightened due to the nature of the event. As fans were still filling the massive stadium Anthrax took the stage at 4pm capping off the bands 3 day world wind sweep of the NY area as the Bronx based band was honored with September 14^th being marked as “Anthrax Day”. The announcement corresponded with the band’s latest studio release “Worship Music”. Clad in pinstriped Anthrax jerseys the band opened with their newest single titled “Fight ‘Em Till you Can’t” which led into classic tracks such as “Madhouse”, Anti-Social” and closing out with “I Am The Law”. The band was tighter than ever and each member was at the top of their game. After speculation and announcements related to Megadeth’s participation or lack thereof in the concert Dave Mustain and the rest of Megadeth took to the stage and unleashed a variety of classic tunes sprinkled with newer tracks. The set also featured the song “Public Enemy #1” a song that will be featured on the bands upcoming November 1^st release titled “13”. Mustain did make a statement to the crowd that despite being advised by Doctors not to play because of a neck injury requiring surgery the band was going to perform at their fullest. As promised the band ripped through songs like “Symphony of Destruction”, “Sweating Bullets” and “Peace Sells”. Slayer would take the stage next featuring Exodus guitarist Gary Holt who is still filling in for Jeff Hanneman who was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis back in February. The band delivered their take no prisoner’s attitude and provided very little banter to the almost capacity crowd who was worked into a frenzy by songs such as “South of Heaven”, “Raining Blood” and “Angel of Death” which closed out the bands set. Metallica would take the stage next and delivered the only way Metallica knows how.

The set featured something off almost all of the bands releases. Songs like “Fuel”, Sad but True” and “Cyanide” kicked off the night while setting the stage for songs like “Orion”, “One” and Yankee closer Mariano Rivera’s entrance song “Enter Sandman”. The crowd was a captive audience and upon demand recited every word Metallica front man James Hetfield requested. As with previous Big 4 shows all of the bands who played returned to the stage for a jam session/song. This nights show featured the Motorhead classic “Overkill” and despite a few noted absences by Tom Araya of Slayer and Dave Mustain of Megadeth the jam was phenomenal and was highlighted buy each drummer taking a turn behind Lars Ulrich’s kit to play a verse of the song. Before leaving the stage for the final time Metallica belted out their classic song “Seek and Destroy” which brought a close to a night made in metal history.

Being at the Big 4 will definitely be a highlight of my concert going experiences. The lineup alone is one that probably won’t ever be topped for me. Though I felt that some of the performances were a touch bland and scripted the show was still great. I think the Yankees really made a great move bringing the Big 4 to the NY area and despite fears of riots the organization hung in there and did not pull out of the event. The stadium proved to be a great venue for a concert as it provided a variety of amenities your standard venues just do not have. Surprisingly the sound of the bands playing in a venue not designed for music in my opinion sounded amazing. Though the talks of there ever being another Big 4 event are almost non-existent the event held on September 14^th 2011 would be a great one top of the touring history of the Big 4.

Date: Friday, September 9^th 2011
Venue: Tag’s Summer Stage, Big Flats, NY

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Click here to check out our interview with Alter Bridge’s Mark Tremonti

Click here to check out our interview with Theory of a Deadman’s Dean Back

The 2011 Carnival of Madness tour featuring Emphatic, Adelitas Way, Black Stone Cherry, Alter he small town of Bridge and Theory of a Deadman made its way into Tag’s Summer Stage located in tBig Flat’s, NY on September 9^th. The tour now in its second year has previously featured bands such as Chevelle, Sevendust and Shinedown. This year the tour is co-headlined by hard rock heavy weights Theory of a Deadman who in July of this year released their 4^th studio album titled “The Truth Is” and Alter Bridge a band that features 3 of the 4 members of multi-platinum selling band Creed.

Upon hearing the line up for this year’s Carnival of Madness tour I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Black Stone Cherry would be making the rounds. After seeing them open for Zakk Wyldes Black Label Society a few years back I was anxious to hear them again. Sadly this did not end up being the case. During sound check the tour crew was notified that Black Stone Cherry would not be able to make the show due to portions of their route being still flooded by the devastating storm the NY/PA area was hit by just days before. At the time this still left the other 4 bands to go on as scheduled….so I thought. Upon returning to the venue for the show the gate was posted with signs stating Emphatic would also not being playing the show. Then to add insult to injury it was announced by the promoter that Adelitas Way also was not able to play. Within the course of 2 hrs. a 5 band line-up was reduced to just its co-headliners and needless to say things were looking pretty grim. However I would like to personally say that both Alter Bridge and Theory of a Deadman stepped up to the plate and hit clutch homeruns which quickly won over the ill tempered crowd. After it was announced that both bands would play extended sets to make up for the other bands being stranded Alter Bridge took to the stage and played a relentless hard rocking set which featured killer dueling guitar solos from front man Miles Kennedy and lead guitarist Mark Tremonti. To close out the night Theory of a Deadman played a hit filled set featuring songs such as “I Hate My Life”, “Low Life” and “Bad Girlfriend”.

Even though the nights show was plagued by transportation issues. Theory of a Deadman and Alter Bridge brought their A games. Though some fans were upset over not being able to see the entire tour lineup I feel TOAD and Alter Bridge made up for it and left fans with very little to regret about sticking around for just two bands.

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iMatter Festival 2011
Date: Friday, September 2^nd Saturday, September 3^rd, Sunday, September 4^th 2011
Venue: Eldridge Park, Elmira, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Check out our interviews with Texas In July, Emery and August Burns Red.

iMatter Festival an event held annually for the past 2 years at Eldridge Park in Elmira, NY kicked off on September 2 and ran through September 4^th.  The festival is the brain child of Elmira Pastor Scott Lowmaster and is a 3 day event aimed at eliminating suicide among teens in the Upstate NY area. Though the festival sports a faith based theme there is something for everyone at the festival.

I had never gone to iMatter festival prior to this year as I was a bit skeptical about the faith based themes that were present though out the 3 day event. I don’t think there is anything wrong with those themes however it generally is not my scene. This year’s line-up which featured, Emery, Texas in July and August Burns Red to name just a few was enough to put those worries aside and take in the event. Though it was extremely hot as temperatures reach almost 95 degrees the festival was a great experience. All the staff working the various locations throughout the festival grounds were very courteous and friendly. It seemed as though great lengths were taken to ensure a safe and fun event for all those who attended. Each band that performed on Saturday really brought their A game in my opinion. Some highlight performances of the day were put on by The Great Commission, Texas in July, August Burns Red and Emery who even though being stopped mid performance 3 different times due to lightning still put on a solid performance.

I really can’t say enough good things about iMatter Festival and the people who put it on each year. Everyone involved does a really great job providing a safe environment to watch a concert. Combine that with getting some real top notch bands to perform every year and you have iMatter Festival. I will tell you that if you are uncertain about the festival and its thoughts or ideas I say put those aside and come out to the next iMatter Festival. You will not be disappointed!

I would like to send out a big thank you to Scott and Lauren Lowmaster for allowing MediaMikes.com to cover the event.

Friday Line Up: Benjah, Flame, Trip Lee, Oceans and Vessels, The Ember Days

Saturday Line Up: As Hell Retreats, My Heart To Fear, Gideon, To Speak Of Wolves, The Great Commission, Hundreth,

I, The Breather, Life In Your Way, Texas In July, Impending Doom, A Plea For Purging, Emery, August Burns Red, The Ember Days

Sunday Line Up: The Ember Days

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Kittie “I’ve Failed You Tour 2011”
Date: Thursday, August 25th 2011
Venue: The Lost Horizon, Syracuse, NY

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Kittie brought their growling vocals and rumbling rhythm section to the historic Lost Horizon venue in Syracuse, NY on what turned into an extremely hot night for the Canadian band. Opening up the show were local bands Kill the Maestro, Armed with Valor, and Capricorn Black followed by the tours direct support bands Diamond Plate and Dirge Within. Even though crowd numbers seemed to vary throughout the course of the night which was probably due to the extreme temperatures inside the club and or combined with the kick off of the NY State Fair happening just a few miles away Kittie put on a stellar show proving to the fans in attendance that they had in fact come to the right place.

I had some reservations about attending the show at The Lost Horizon solely on the fact that the club really isn’t the nicest or most fan friendly place to watch a show. However I was very surprised on arrival as the club seemed to have received a face lift both inside and out. The choice of opening bands was fitting and those who played most notably Armed with Valor and Dirge Within did a great job entertaining the crowd and fighting through the heat. Kittie played an extremely tight set which included songs of their newest album “I’ve Failed You” as well as fan favorites such as “Spit” and “Funeral for Yesterday”. The girls did not disappoint and even though you could tell they were suffering some from the heat they fought through and really brought it to the Syracuse crowd. A big thank you goes out to the band as well as Neil and Bill who were responsible for making this coverage possible.

Be sure to check out our interview with Mercedes Lander as well as the album review of “I’ve Failed You”

Set List:
1.) I’ve Failed you
2.) My Plague
3.) Looks So Pretty
4.) Oracle
5.) Spit
6.) Never Again
7.) Cut Throat
8.) Wiaw
9.) Sorrow
10.) Flower
11.) Pussy Sugar
12.) Empires (Part 2)
13.) Funeral For Yesterday
14.) What Have I Done?
15.) Forgive & Forget
16.) We Are The Lamb

Kiss “The Lost Cities Tour 2011”
Date: Thursday, July 28th 2011
Venue: Turning Stone Casino, Verona, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Kiss wrapped up their 18 date Lost Cities tour at The Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY on July 28th. A surprisingly smaller venue than what Kiss has been a custom to after 35 years in the music business however the intimate venue didn’t stop Kiss from unleashing their bombastic stage show on the near capacity crowd. Fans were treated to a somewhat scaled down version of the “Hottest Show on Earth” but none the less Kiss still delivered!

This was my 10th Kiss show and despite Paul’s almost verbatim chats with the crowd and Tommy Thayers cheap and almost sickening Ace Frehley imitation I was still entertained. Kiss proved that no matter how big or small a venue they can still entertain a crowd. Gone were Gene and Paul’s flying rigs and the massive back line of speakers however it was nice to see the band play without that stuff bringing back an almost eighties stripped down Kiss feel to the night. I would have liked to have heard a little more variation in the set list as I am sure most diehard Kiss fans like myself would agree however the night proved to be very enjoyable and showcased just why Kiss is the hottest band in the land!

Set List:
1.) Modern Day Delilah
2.) Let Me Go, Rock ‘N’ Roll
3.) Firehouse
4.) Deuce
5.) Do You Love Me
6.) Calling Dr. Love
7.) Shock Me
8.) I Love It Loud
9.) Love Gun
10.) God of Thunder
11.) Black Diamond
12.) Detroit Rock City

Encore:
13.) Beth (Acoustic)
14.) Lick It Up
15.) Shout It Out Loud
16.) Rock and Roll All Nite