August 2009 :: Event Reviews

Event Reviews

The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers don't just appeal to hippies anymore. Their recent Orlando show showcased a genre-defying band with talent beyond their numbers. Jen Cray is a newly born fan.

Jen Cray is delighted to report that Green Day has morphed into an unstoppable rock 'n' roll band, capable of holding entire arenas of fans in the palm of its collective sweaty hand. Whether you believe it or not is up to you.

Jeffree Star

The reigning queen of MySpace wowed his faithful Orlando flock with a short but sweet performance, yet Chris Long can't help but wonder if Jeffree Star is more style than substance.

Jenny Lewis

Jenny Lewis drenches Orlando with her sweet and soulful country tinged folk music. Jen Cray is amongst the adoring, sold-out crowd.

Rise Against / Rancid

The Rise Against/Rancid tour has been a hot ticket all summer, but only in Orlando was it scorching enough to not only require that a second date get added, but to result in a double night sell-out. Jen Cray squeezed into the pit for the opening evening.

Rock The Bells

Rock the Bells kicked off its 2009 hip-hop festival tour in Chicago -- just two days after Michael Jackson's sudden death. Chris Catania took in this year's finest while ruminating on the psychology of a crowd in mourning.

Starlight Mints

Norman, OK natives Starlight Mints hit Orlando as part of their brief Southeast tour, and Bryan Tilford was there to goggle at the lights.

Tori Amos

Tori Amos has been setting fire to fans' hearts and minds for 17 years, Jen Cray among them. Her recent Orlando show was, as usual, a rousing success.

Warped Tour 2009

Downsizing to fit a twisted economy, the Van's Warped Tour still brought in massive crowds for their 15th annual summertime circus. Jen Cray slathered on sunblock for the St. Petersburg, Florida show.