Posts Tagged ‘Cafe Du Nord’
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
If you happened to be at the sold out Devil Makes Three show at The Independent a month ago, you might like to know that Pete Bernhard, the talented front man for the Devil Makes Three, will be playing at Cafe du Nord this coming Sunday, February 21st. Devil Makes Three just wrapped up filming an episode of Dinner With The Band for the second season of IFC’s new show and we can already assume it went well.
With a hectic Devil Makes Three national touring schedule and the new studio record, Straight Line on Milan Records, one might wonder how Pete Bernhard has found the time to write solo material, assemble a band, and self-produce a record. Mixing styles from the rock-and-roll and punk music of his adolescence, Pete Bernhard pushes the boundaries of acoustic music. Pete combines tight vocal harmonies with idiot-savant finger style guitar to create an exciting and original sound.
You can catch Pete Bernhard with Jake Mann and Upper Hand, and Leopold and His Fiction at Cafe du Nord this Sunday on the 21st of February and Devil Makes Three at The Phoenix in Petaluma Tuesday, March 23rd.
This week Pete answers our Kuestionnaire and recommends a unique local artist. Check it out!
___
1. Could you state your name and what you do?
Pete Bernhard, I sing and play guitar for the devil makes three and solo.
2. How would you describe your sound?
I would describe it as everything I love run through the filter of my brain and the limitations of my body to do what my brain asks it to.
3. What is your favorite local band?
Miss Lonely Hearts
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
I think the last concert that blew my mind blew my mind so thoroughly that i have not been able to remember any concert that has happened since including that one.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
Hundertwasser he is an artist I like
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
Charlie Chaplin
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
Townes Van Zandt
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Leo Kottke 6 and 12 string guitar
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Honestly I would listen to a book on tape. Its just the truth thats what I listen to on long drives.
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
Vermont
11. What is the last book you read?
Why I write by George Orwell
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
Both
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
One time I had to stop the show and cut through the crowd to go pee.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
New Orleans
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
A mixture of fear and excitement.
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[mp3] Pete Bernhard – Warning from Straight Line (2009)
Tags: Cafe Du Nord, Devil Makes Three, Dinner With The Band, Jake Mann and Upper Hand, Leopold and His Fiction, Pete Bernhard
Posted in Kuestionnaires, Music | No Comments »
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
A.A. Bondy
AA Bondy has been making waves since the release of his album When The Devil’s Loose last year on Fat Possum Records. Last night, the songwriter played a show at Café Du Nord with opening act Willy Mason. Bondy, who has been on tour almost constantly since last July, is a commanding yet intimate performer who develops a somber atmosphere during his sets.
Willy Mason
Folk rocker Willy Mason was a nice surprise mainly because I had no idea he was opening until the day before. Playing mostly songs off 2004’s Where The Humans Eat and a handful off 2007’s If The Ocean Gets Rough, Willy stood solo with acoustic guitar in hand, easily charming the ever growing crowd. Particularly with the title track off Where the Humans Eat, which I’m pretty sure is about a dog.
Willy Mason
Playing for almost an hour (I love two-act line-ups), he was a welcomed opener for his fellow singer-songwriter.
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[mp3] Willy Mason – Where the Humans Eat from Where the Humans Eat (2004)
A.A. Bondy
On this tour, Bondy was allotted over an hour to play and while he did not leave out some songs that have become staples (such as Lover’s Waltz and American Hearts) the new songs are what made that night a bit more special. He stood tall with dim red lights beaming at his lanky figure and proceeded to perform his brand of Americana / singer-songwriter style tunes.
A.A. Bondy
These songs are defined by their poetic lyrics, sentimental arrangements and antique sound. They are about longing, death, love and friendship, and they deserve a quiet audience. And Bondy played for a very focused audience.
A.A. Bondy
The stand out of the night was a ‘louder’ and swaying version of There’s A Reason. Usually a sweet and acoustic track, Bondy and his band created a fuller sound around the song, causing a few fans to dance along.
Overall AA Bondy’s show last night was a very warm and intimate performance that well represented his work on record.
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[mp3] A.A. Bondy – There’s A Reason from American Hearts (2007)
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[mp3] A.A. Bondy – I Can See The Pines Are Dancing from When The Devil’s Loose (2009)
Tags: A.A. Bondy, Cafe Du Nord, Show Review, Willy Mason
Posted in Concerts, Music, Show Review | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009
The Flaming Lips at Treasure Island Music Festival 2009
J. Tillman at Cafe Du Nord
The Raveonettes at Bimbo's 365
The Mae Shi at House of Nostromos
theSTART at The Bottom of the Hill
Triclops! at The Bottom of the Hill
Dan Deacon at The Great American Music Hall
Cymbals Eat Guitars at The Great American Music Hall
Q-Tip at Outside Lands Music Festival 2009
Fanfarlo at Popscene
The Walkmen at Treasure Island Music Festival 2009
Thao with The Get Down Stay Down at Treasure Island Music Festval 2009
Lenka at Outside Lands Music Festival 2009
Passion Pit at Treasure Island Music Festival 2009
Sleepy Sun at The Independent
Tenacious D at Outside Lands Music Festival 2009
The Limousines at Treasure Island Music Festival 2009
Band of Skulls at Bimbo's 365
Tags: Band of Skulls, bimbo's 365, bottom of the hill, Cafe Du Nord, Cymbals Eat Guitars, dan deacon, Fanfarlo, House of Nostromos, J. Tillman, LENKA, Outside Lands Music Festival 2009, Passion Pit, Popscene, Q-Tip, sleepy sun, Tenacious D, Thao with The Get Down Stay Down, the Flaming Lips, The Great American Music Hall, The Independent, The Limousines, The Mae Shi, The Raveonettes, The Walkmen, theSTART, Treasure Island Music Festival 2009, Triclops!
Posted in Art and Photography | No Comments »
Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
They might not fit into a convenient theory, but Cincinnati’s Bad Veins haven’t wasted much time since their formation in 2006: Even before their self titled debut album appeared on Danger Bird Records July 21st, they were already dropping jaws from the LA scene to CMJ. Vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Davis and drummer Sebastien Schultz practice a tense, stylish brand of rock not heard in this kind of genuine fashion in a long time. With lyrical left turns that recall classic Bowie, the band embraces deep creativity without sounding pretentious. With their unstoppable live shows (which will be showcased tomorrow night at Cafe Du Nord with Division Day) and their undeniable talent, Bad Veins have helped breathe fresh air into this year’s rock scene.
Bad Veins will be opening for Division Day at San Francisco’s Café du Nord Friday (tomorrow) night with LoveLikeFire. You can purchase their debut album here.
Drummer Sebastien Schultz answer’s this week’s very interesting Kuestionnaire.
1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
Sebastien Schultz – I play drums in Bad Veins.
2. How would you describe your sound?
Hmmm…I hate answering this question. At their core, our songs are pop songs, but we do sprinkle some indie magic on top of them (indie magic? I’m not sure what I meant there.). Basically, it’s pop with lush orchestration and very grandiose—anthemic, perhaps.
3. What is your favorite local band?
I didn’t realize you were hip to the Cincy scene, but since you’re asking…
You, You’re Awesome is probably my favorite band in the city right now. They’re also a two-piece, but much more electronic. Very accessible and a lot of fun, look them up!
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
I need to think about this—I’m not sure the last time I was out at a show (horrible, I know). Lately, I’m not sure—but I did check out We Were Promised Jetpacks when we were at SXSW this past year, and they were great! They’re a bunch of lads from Glasgow—very fun to see live, and a great album as well.
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
For me, I feel as though traveling has very much influenced my view of things. I was born and grew up in Europe, then moved to the States at a young age—always going back for summers. Additionally, my parents took me everywhere they traveled growing up—so an appreciation for culture and history was sort of built into me. In fact, my school in England just celebrated their 300 year anniversary…funny to think that my school is older than the United States.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
I’m not sure what it should be, but I would hope it would either be Modern Marvels or Top Gear—I’d be fine with either.
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
That’s a very good question. I’ll give you three…
The Edge, someone from Sigur Ros, or Anthony Gonzalez from M83. As far as drummers are concerned, I would really like to meet up with Sam Fogarino from Interpol—he’s got a great feel for percussion direction in their songs.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Kid A from Radiohead. Done and done.
That album is also good for snowy evenings when it’s totally quiet outside.
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Dramamine from Modest Mouse…Where the Streets Have No Name from U2…On A Rope from Rocket From the Crypt…Distance Equals Rate Times Time…from the Pixies.
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
I’m not sure where I’ll be, but I better be driving around in a Porsche 911 Carrera. I’m just kidding…the Cayman S will do just fine. But in 14 years it better be a damn 911. I’m not joking. Okay, I’m joking. No, I’m not—Porsche.
Who knows? With any luck, Ben and I will still be playing our music for those who want to hear it. We’re professionals now! This is all we’ve got!!!
11. What is the last book you read?
I can’t remember…I think Hardball from Chris Matthews. I read it back in high school, but re-read it because it’s such a smart book. I’m currently reading Why does E=MC^2? (and why should we care?) by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw, The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, and His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman.
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
I wear surf shorts from PacSun in the summer…so I’m not the model hipster, but I think branding may pertain more to your question. Image, no—Ben and I could give a damn. However, branding and being identifiable—yes, that matters to us. You can see most bands in a live setting and have no real story to tell—4 dudes in jeans and t-shirts who played guitar, bass, drums, and sang. With us, I feel like people are left with a bit more to look at and talk about. We have a reel-to-reel player, we dress in military outfits, Ben sings through a phone and a megaphone, etc. You can leave our show and possess an almost tangible feeling of what we sound like…beyond just the obvious—sound.
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Having to be brought medical gauze due to bleeding excessively from my finger—there was blood everywhere, but not in a “cool” rock ‘n’ roll sense—this was much too ghastly and…”real?”
14. Any favorite tour locations?
Denver was an absolute blast! We’re very much looking forward to Monolith Music Festival out there in September!
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
Excited. I’m temporarily homeless for the next two months (we’ll be on tour full-time). When I’m back, however, I’ll be moving into a new place in Cincinnati—so everything is wide open at this point. I love traveling, and what better way to see the country than to play shows!!!
Bad Veins – 
Gold and Warm from Bad Veins (2009)
You, You’re Awesome – I’m Deaf and You’re Boring from You’re My Superhero EP (2009)
Tags: Bad Veins, Cafe Du Nord, division day, kuestionnaire, you you're awesome, You're My Superhero EP
Posted in General, Kuestionnaires, Music | No Comments »
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
Our friends over at Stranger Dance are hosting an awesome line-up with Geographer, Michael Zapruder and Harbours tonight at Cafe du Nord.
It’s almost like a Bay Area buzzfest if you ask me. All these acts have been making a name for themselves over the past year or so and seem to be getting more and more attention as of late. Whether it’s with Geographer’s recent album Innocent Ghosts; which is a textured and intelligent brand of honest indie-pop. Or with Michael Zapruder and his latest release Dragon Chinese Cocktail Horoscope; a carefully crafted record filled with what you’d expect from a lofty San Franciscan who really knows what it means to be creative. And there’s Harbours, a lovely throwback to 60s and 70s melodies and psychedelic pop.
I’ll be at the sold-out Dan Deacon show tonight at the Great American Music Hall (my first DD show), but if you’re looking for something to do tonight. I’d suggest heading over to Cafe du Nord tonight.
More on the Dan Deacon show tonight after the show…if I’m not too tired.
Geographer – Rushing In, Rushing Out
Harbours – No Souvenirs
Tags: Cafe Du Nord, Geographer, Harbours, Michael Zapruder, Stranger Dance
Posted in Concerts, Music | No Comments »
Monday, December 1st, 2008
Picture by Rubén Navarro
There is no real easy way to describe this entity that is Jonah Matranga. He is not, how you say…following the rules of the music world. You can’t position him with your singer songwriters or your indie rock bands. While there are plenty of artists and bands that wear the label of “uncharacterized” like a badge of honor, Jonah just is. He’s focused purely on following his vision of living the rock-life without compromise of his art. But what may seem as the average solo artist is really something completely different.
You see, after reading a short interview with Elvis Costello in Spin magazine, I began to respect Mr. Costello and Bob Dylan a bit more than I already had. These men had built an empire from the ground up. They sacrificed and bleed to do what they love to do; play music. These guys could have quit a long time ago and no one would have questioned it. Rock retirement is a curse for these men. So in response they constantly tour and make records whenever they can. Mr. Costello recently put out his 27th record and has his own show on the Sundance Channel while Mr. Dylan has the Theme Time Radio Hour on XM Radio, which is on its 3rd season. It’s like what Mr. Costello said in the interview, “…it used to be the thing that made the motor go round. Now I sort of just make a record and let it go.” These men were meant to play music for a living and they clearly understand that responsibility.
This brings me back to Jonah Matranga. While what he is doing is still “making the motor go round,” he plays and creates like a man that was meant to do what he does. It flows naturally and it has affected audiences and listeners for years and will do so in the years to come. Jonah may be nowhere near the caliber of Elvis Costello or Bobby Dylan. But despite his lack of fame and fortune, he’s still been able to keep that artistic spirit alive. Whether it’s through his sliding scale yard sale, his unique personal recordings, playing in front of a live audience at a club or someone’s living room, or through his own collection of 27 records; Jonah has achieved his own musical identity. And that is something that every music artist (or artist in general) strives to achieve.
You can catch Jonah Matranga with Kevin Seconds and Christopher Fairman at the Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco tomorrow at 9pm. Buy tickets here. Also he’ll be performing at a benefit show at the Great American Music Hall for Music In Schools Today with BlackMahal and The Minks on Wednesday. More on that here.
Jonah Matranga - Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns and Roses Cover)
Jonah Matranga – Over You Again
Jonah Matranga – Get It Right
Jonah Matranga – True Love
For a sloppy and sweet thank you from Jonah. Click here.
Tags: Cafe Du Nord, Far, Gratitude, Guns and Roses, Jonah Matranga, New End Original
Posted in Music | 2 Comments »
