*** Live Entertainment and Events ***

At times I have the honor of going to venues and taking photographs of different bands or events. Here, you will be able to SEE through my eyes, the magic each event brings.

Saturday November 28,2008 Off Broadway - St. Louis Mo

 I had the honor of being invited by ZIG ZAG and CMJ to attend this very off the wall venue at listen and review three of the best live bands I have had the privilage to see live. STRAWFOOT - Saint Louis Local along with THOSE DARLINS and O'DEATH.

Saturday Night at Off Broadway was a hit. My first visit to this very underground yet stylish venue with dimmed lights, laughter, and good music. Everything to keep the suspense growing as the first band set up. Sound check… loud drums, funky bass, and a fiddle? Ah… finally everything is set as Strawfoot takes the stage!

The sound from this local Saint Louis band was a collaboration of southern gospel and classic Rockabilly. The lead singer was everything but boring, as he won over the crowd with his style and grace.  A mix of music from every corner of the stage creating a pool of sound. His voice was strong, his lyrics were classical, and the band was amazing.

Then came Those Darlins. The spunky, very adorable trio, belted out a sound that was unique, loud, and very much to the basics of good ‘ole fashion rock. Sounding like Carter Family classics with their own original style, the three ladies up front are sure to win the hearts and ears of anyone who listens or catches them live. They are the image of ageless rock, classic country, with a twist of bluegrass. Truly mixing together generations of music.

On to the highlight on the night, O'Death . The pounding of the drum immediately echoed through my body! WOW.. never have I heard a beat that loud, that intense. The drummer pounded his way to my inner soul, while the vocals called out to the crowd. A sound that was powerful, clear, and something not easily forgotten. O’Death can not be described in words, more like emotion, as they at once caused a riot on the dance floor. The floor vibrated as the bass and drums took over.  Each member created a sound that was unique and as hard as any rock band. Never before has a band had that much of an effect on me. The wave of sound coming from the stage broke all musical boundaries. There is no genre of music, no labels that could be used to categorize this Brooklyn based group. I know my fellow Saint Louis music lovers embraced the atmosphere these three bands created. Each one telling their own story with their own sound putting the twist and beat back into bluegrass, country and rock.

The night ended with one last beat of the drum, screaming fans, and three bands all supporting each other. I was able to meet the members of the bands, their personalities just as wild as their music. So here I sit remembering the entire night, as the sound still rings in my head. It was a night I will always remember. The up close and personal feel of the venue gave everyone a chance to not just see the band, but to rock out with them!