Cloaca Melodia

Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA..... With a Morrissey concert, one always wonders whether it will take place at all--given Morrissey's well-documented history of shows cancelled at the last minute. So it was concerning when several recent of his concerts had to be scrapped due to credible death threats on the former Smiths frontman. But, it turned out not to be a concern and the show went on as scheduled. Morrissey was in fine voice but I had some issues with the setlist. Towards the end of the main set, I thought it's got to be bangers all the way down, but I was disappointed. Some deeper cuts, but more problematically, midtempo songs that didn't get the energy up except for the hardest-core of Moz-heads. There were a lot of people heading to the exits early, and my daughter (first time seeing him live) said to me at one point, "The music for each song sounds good but once he starts singing, they all sound the same." The last time I saw Morrissey , while a showcas...

The Oaks Theater, Pittsburgh, PA..... It was the final installment of WYEP's Neighborhood Concert Series. A really great show. Nashville's Riccio impressed with versions of her tracks like "Sweet," "For Me It's You," "Whiplash," and her terrific new single "Wildfire Season." She was performing in a trio configuration, backed by drums and bass, and while she started the show with three songs on acoustic guitar, Jobi swapped that out for an electric for the rest of her performance. She played some new songs from a forthcoming album, and mentioned that her bass player has performed on her new material but was newly on the road with her.  Buffalo Rose put in an energetic set to start the night, inspiring a handful of people from the crowd to get up and dance in front of the stage. In addition to their own songs, they did their sultry cover of "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" from Cake.   Jobi Riccio and her band Jobi Riccio shredding a...

Schenley Plaza, Pittsburgh, PA.... The 25th annual WYEP Summer Music Festival.     sorry, I haven't yet written about this show... add your own comments if you were also there!

Cadence Clubhouse, Allison Park, PA.... This was the second in WYEP's Neighborhood Concert Series. Kashus Culpepper and Clover County were stripped down and introspective and Snacktime was a bundle of energy. Almost as soon as they began performing the area in front of the stage was populated with dancing kids, and then adults began to join in on the fun. Snacktime bringing the energy!

Crafthouse Stage and Grill , Baldwin, PA   The first of WYEP's Neighborhood Concert Series. I had never been to the venue before, one that was part bowling alley (thankfully in a fully separate sonic space), but it was a full crowd and a good spirit. The performances were enjoyable by both artists.