Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press at The Hi-Fi Annex on 04/22/23
REO Speedwagon at Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park 06 11 19
Tori Kelly Acoustic Tour at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre 03 28 19
In front of a backdrop reminiscent of a cozy living room, singer-songwriter Tori Kelly fully connected with the crowd at The Murat Theatre in Indianapolis on March 28, 2019. Accompanied only by her own guitar and that of Mateas Asato, she radiated quiet confidence as she filled the venue with her velvety voice. Fans were treated to several unreleased songs from her upcoming album, as well as Grammy-winning hits such as “Nobody Love.” Her 25-song setlist also included several covers and a multi-song mashup, and was peppered with anecdotes and the stories behind her songs. Throughout the show, Kelly’s vocals were strong, and her range was impressive. For me, personally, it was a welcome breath of spring after a long, cold, dreary winter.
Shiny Penny at The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre 01 26 19
Sublime with Rome at The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre, 01 26 19
Halestorm, In This Moment, and New Year's Day at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 11 21 18
It shouldn’t be a big deal for three bands who are fronted by badass women to tour together for months at a time, but for some reason, the music industry hasn’t really been keeping up with the whole gender equality thing. Fortunately, Lzzy Hale, Maria Brink, and Ash Costello have been kicking ass all over the world together. From hard-driving, in-your-face screamo to gut-wrenching ballads that bite into your soul, Halestorm, In This Moment and New Year’s Day have stories to tell - and you had better listen.
Halestorm
In This Moment
New Year’s Day
Brent James and the Vintage Youth at the Deluxe at Old National Centre 10/19/18
See my review for Brent James and the Vintage Youth right below the Candlebox Gallery.
Candlebox at the Deluxe at Old National Centre 10/19/18
See my review below this gallery
Live Review – Candlebox with Brent James and the Vintage Youth at Old National Centre, 10 19 18
By Laura Fox for The Front Row Report
After a two-year absence, Seattle-based Candlebox returned to Indianapolis Friday night, playing to a packed crowd at the Deluxe at Old National Centre. The five-piece band, who describe themselves as “Face melting kinda metal but not really grunge yet close and VERY Blues based,” are undoubtedly icons of the 1990s Seattle music scene, and I was really stoked about seeing them again.
I was also excited to hear Brent James and the Vintage Youth. Although I knew the quartet from Cincinnati was more Muscle Shoals than Seattle Grunge, I was a little surprised when half the band appeared on stage barefoot. It started to make sense as they started jamming on their first song, “Fine Young Man,” which could’ve been on a Molly Hatchet album back in the day. Skillfully blending blues, rock and rockabilly, frontman Brent James, accompanied by Ricky Veeneman on guitar, Matt Gandenberger on bass, and Nick Baverman on drums, performed a rollicking nine-song set that left the audience in a great mood.
As I waited for Candlebox to take the stage, I thought about the last time I saw them. It was 1995, and they were at the peak of their popularity, right after the release of their sophomore album, “Lucy.” Their sound was fresh, and their performance was electrifying. After 23 years, a six-year hiatus and a few member changes, I wondered how they would sound. Would Kevin Martin’s distinct vocals still be strong? Would their music still be edgy and fresh?
The answer was a resounding, ”YES!”
They came out swinging with “Don’t You,” a high-energy hit from their self-titled debut album, which happens to be 25 years old now. They followed it up with “Change,” also from their debut album. I was relieved that founding member Kevin Martin’s distinct vocals were as strong as ever, and maybe even a little better – more mellow and less raspy than in Candlebox’s heyday. He did a fantastic job of engaging the crowd, making constant eye contact, giving high-fives, telling personal stories, repeatedly expressing appreciation for their loyalty, and explaining the meaning behind many of the songs. I found his “HAS BEEN” t-shirt hysterically ironic given the amount of energy he put into the show, as well as the fan love that was bestowed upon him.
That love was shared by Brian Quinn and Island Styles on guitar, Adam Kury on bass, and Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Famer Dave Krusen on drums. Although Martin is the only member who’s been with the band from the beginning, they played Candlebox’s syncopated riffs as though they’ve all been together for years. They jammed hard during their sixteen-song set, which included newer releases as well as older hits, along with some deeper cuts from their six studio albums, and extended versions of several songs. Nearly every song had at least a few people singing along, and I’m pretty sure 100% of the audience (including yours truly) was singing to the chorus of “You,” “Cover Me,” and “Far Behind.”
I was a little confused when the Martin took a survey near the end of the show to find out who all in the audience was Christian, then who was Catholic and who was Protestant. But then he explained that he doesn’t care what religion everyone is, and that we all need to respect each other’s beliefs and get along together. I normally hate when artists get political in their shows, but this is one message I can get behind. He then picked up an acoustic guitar for “Cover Me,” bringing an entirely different vibe and meaning to one of their biggest hits.
Candlebox finished their regular set with an intense and passionate version of “Far Behind,” which left everyone clamoring for “one more song.” The encore selection, “Rain,” started out slow and bluesy and ended with an all-out jam, which was a perfect ending to an amazing evening of rock and roll.
The Amity Affliction - Vans Warped Tour at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
The Amity Affliction have been around the music scene long enough to know how to get the crowd going - and they did it with great skill at the Vans Warped Tour at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center.
FITNESS at Hi-Fi Indy 10 16 18
Castlecomer at The Hi-Fi Indy 10 16 18
Big Data at The Hi-Fi Indy 10 16 18
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - Vans Warped Tour at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center 07 24 18
Of all the women who have impacted the music industry, Joan Jett is without a doubt one of the most influential. In fact, I don't think there's a person over the age of 10 who can't sing the chorus of "I Love Rock and Roll." To be able to photograph this living legend was a dream come true for me and all the other photographers - it was the most crowded photo pit of the entire day. The pavillion was jammed with fans, as well, and the sides and back of the stage were packed with other Warped artists and VIPs. Joan Jett's voice was strong and loud, her attitude and guitar skills were as was as badass as ever, and the Blackhearts kicked ass right along with her.
Asking Alexandria - Vans Warped Tour at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center 07 24 18
Asking Alexandria's raw power and smooth-as-silk vocals shouldn't work together, but they absolutely do! They also have a whole lotta fun on stage, making them a crowd favorite.
Motionless in White - Vans Warped Tour at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center 07 24 18
Motionless in White are one of my favorite bands to photograph. Their intensity, drama, and overall stage presence are over the top - it's enough to drive the fans nuts and make photographers lose their sh** trying to capture it all.
Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, and The Cult at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center - July 19, 2018
Live Review: Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, The Cult at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
By Laura Fox
Torrential rains, extreme heat, and gusty winds didn’t dampen the spirits of concertgoers at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center Friday, July 19. Clad in plastic ponchos, garbage bags, or just their soggy clothes, they soaked up a great night of rock and roll as the Revolution 3 tour rolled through town. LA-based Julien K were the first to take the stage, getting the crowd warmed up with their edgy, electro-rock sound.
Post-punk/metal giants The Cult were up next. Somewhat ironically, the heaviest downpour of the night was during their second song, “Rain.” At the end of the song, however, an announcer came on stage and told everyone in the lawn to come down and sit in open sections of the pavilion; he didn’t have to ask twice!
Stone Temple Pilots started their set with their mega-hit, “Wicked Garden.” Frontman Jeff Gutt, who joined the group in 2017, nailed the rock star role, performing with great energy and passion, along with an in-your-face attitude and tons of crowd interaction.
Veteran band members Dean DeLeo on guitar, Robert DeLeo on bass and Eric Kretz on percussion also showed the fans lots of love. With the exception of “Meadow,” and “Roll Me Away” from their latest studio album, “Stone Temple Pilots” the band stuck to classic hits from their older albums, ending with another huge single, “Sex-Type Thing.”
Bush’s set started dramatically, with percussionist Robin Goodridge silhouetted behind his drumset, sticks raised. Then the first iconic riff of “Machinehead” rang out from the darkness, and lead singer/guitarist Gavin Rossdale leaped onto the stage. The crowd went nuts, lunging to their feet and shouting wildly.
The commotion never really died down as Bush powered through their biggest hits, plus an amazing cover of the Beatles’ “Come Together.” Rossdale, along with Chris Traynor on guitar and Corey Britz on bass, made constant eye contact with the audience, which they ate up. Rossdale, in particular, was in constant motion, pacing from front to back and side to side throughout the set.
By the time Bush closed their set with “Comedown,” the temperature had also come down. The rain had also stopped, leaving concertgoers basking in the echoes of the heavy-hitting show they had just experienced.
Bush
Stone Temple Pilots
The Cult
Thunderstruck at The Vogue 07 /13/18
Lindsey Stirling and Evanescence with Cellogram at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center 07/12/18
Cellogram
Evanescence
Lindsey Stirling
Live Review by Laura Fox
Co-headliners Evanescence and Lindsey Stirling, currently on tour together, have distinctly different musical styles, visual and performance aesthetics, and messages, yet they complemented each other perfectly. Accompanied by a local orchestra, both acts artfully wove beautiful stories throughout the night, bringing thunderous applause, cheers, and tears to the adoring crowd.
The night’s headliner, Lindsey Stirling, reminded me of a Gaelic faerie – she danced, ran, leaped, beat back demons, and even moonwalked, all while furiously playing the electric violin. But along with her spritely and energetic music, she also shared a deeply personal and inspirational message about her struggles with anorexia and depression. Backup dancers, multiple costume changes and stunning background graphics completed the big-production, sensory experience you’ll just have to see first-hand to understand.
In contrast, Evanescence’s performance was dark and almost dreamlike. Although Evanescence is comprised of five extremely talented musicians, all eyes were on Amy Lee as she strode onto the stage. Her rich vocals and commanding stage presence masterfully pulled the audience into her world. When Evanescence was joined by Stirling on stage for “Hi-Lo,” the crowd absolutely erupted.
Openers Cellogram, which consists of cellist Dave Eggar and percussionist Chuck Palmer, engaged the audience with their enthusiasm and antics. Their eclectic set included a lively mix of classical, rock, folk, tribal, bluegrass, and jazz that was just about perfect for a balmy evening under the stars.
