So it’s about three bands into the day and I’m getting thirsty for a beer. The Black Fortys take the stage and not being blown away…or even the slightest impressed with their song I beeline to the nearest indoor bar. Go figure, they won the contest. That’s how much I know. Listening to some songs on their myspace I realize I could’ve held off on the suds. They sound decent…

It’s funny when you go into a show with zero expectations and come out a convert. That’s sorta how this show went down with me. I am not gonna be rifling through Berman’s trash anytime soon (as he seemed to be taking care of that himself on stage) but damn this concert was great. Easily in the Top 5 of the year (so far)…

Hailing from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Math he Band were a spastic, energetic shot of fun that left the crowd fired up. I would describe their sound as ‘angular’ and ‘geeky’, which fit their moniker to a “T”. They were a tad over the top in their…

Second band to play in the competition and to tell you the truth, they weren’t bad…they were kinda forgettable, especially after the onslaught from Gospel Gossip minutes before. My man Greg from Lohio was pimping them before they came on so I if I do get the chance I’ll definately listen again…

This Minnesota trio had the unenviable task of opening up the college band competition at the fest. There wasn’t that much of a crowd, save for a few spectators and some of the other bands to appreciate the feedback laden cacophony they laid on the crowd at 11 a.m. I thought they were great. In fact, I wish they won the the studio time promised to the best band. They were the best band IMO…

Southside Works I really wasn’t all that interested in the main stage line-up to this remarkably well put on fest. Seriously, Bob Dylan? Everybody and their mother was going all crazy that he was playing and after seeing him over a dozen times in the past, I’ll refrain from standing in the sun all day to catch him. I was more interested in the unknown bands that were showcased early in the day for a chance to win studio-time…

Doors @ 7, Show @ 8. No problem. I head out the door and arrive at the venue about ten to eight. Walking a couple blocks to the club (nightmare Southside parking) I notice Mark on the sidewalk on his phone. I linger for about a minute till he’s done and I guess he notices the CD’s in my hand. He immediately does a 45 degree angle and walks into the middle of the street. Undeterred, …

Southside Brewhouse Gallery Final band of the night to perform. They sounded good considering the few songs I heard. I reluctantly bailed early. I had to get up the next morning for the college bands competition @ N.A.M.U.…

Southside Brewhouse Gallery I am hoping there is new Lohio music this year. It’s comforting to know that one of my favorite bands right now is local…

Southside Brewhouse Gallery This was my first time seeing Donora. I thought they were good. Really good. They reminded me of some hip surfer girl group from the sixties. Maybe the free beers had something to do with my judgement but who cares. The room was kinda crowded up front so I just chilled during their set and my photos suffered from it. I’ll have more from them tomorrow…

Southside Brewhouse Gallery This was an ‘unofficial’ after party to the N.A.M.U. Fest taking place a few blocks away. There were four local bands playing to support the release of the fantastic comp “Playing Favorties“. Boca Chica started the night with a set on the front stoop. I will be featuring them this week…

Southside Local boys opening for Dr. Dog. I only saw them once before and liked them then and really liked them now. They seem to have a loyal fanbase in town which is always nice to see. Very energetic straight forward pop. Too bad they were dealing with technical gremlins that had them stop the show for ten minutes before their last song….

I decided at the last minute to go to this late night show. Bummer for me that they sold out earlier in the day. Hanging out in front of the club I counted ten other people who needed tickets as well. Eventually we all got in and enjoyed a fabulous set…

The Andy Warhol Museum There was a band called Forever Flowers that was scheduled to open for Lightspeed Champion. They bailed without notice and local songwriter Sonji filled in at the last minute…

South Park Amphitheater Since Dr. Dog cancelled their show for tonight, why not hit BOC for a free show in the park? I guess that’s what SEVERAL thousand other people were thinking as well. I never saw the place this crowded before. It was pretty crazy. Every other show there before,..

This mini in-studio set from Amos was pretty cool. He seemed like a really gentle and humble dude. It was interesting to find out he had some heavy hitters in Doyle Bramhall, Spooner Oldham and Don Was, among others, playing on his latest album…

Rootz: The Green City Music Festival Mellon Park Any chance I get to see these guys I try to take it. They have a new album coming out later in the summer called “History, The Destroyer”. If their last song in the set is any indication, Lohio is gonna rock out!…

Rootz: The Green City Music Festival Mellon Park Highly enjoyable day in the park. We brought out the kids and listened to some ‘wooden’ music. This set featured a bunch of local musicians taking turns on new songs written about Pittsburgh. Emily and Erik’s song was a standout for me…

Border’s Eastside Local musician Ben Hardt has a unique band going. He often performs with a string section that adds a very cool element to his music. Check him out if you can…