Kyle Gustafson Photography -

The 2009 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia

Posted on June 9, 2009

Last weekend I made the trip uo to Philly with some friends to check out the 2nd Annual Roots Picnic featuring The Roots (playing two sets), TV on the Radio, Santigold, Public Enemy, Antibalas, Asher Roth and more. You can see a full set of photos over on Pitchfork. Yes, that’s Donnie and Jordan of the New Kids on the Block above. They made a surprise appearance during The Roots early set. Despite the main stage eventually running…

9:30 Club Concerts

Grizzly Bear @ 9:30 Club

Posted on June 1, 2009

You’d be hard pressed to find a hotter band than Grizzly bear in 2009. Radiohead and Jay-Z are among the band’s fans, along with enough people in Washington D.C. to fill up the 9:30 Club. There was no photo pit for this show so I had to turn up early and hope to grab a good spot. I ended up standing in the “third row” in between the lead singer and the guitarist. Lights were so-so, deep…

9:30 Club Concerts

The National @ 9:30 Club

Posted on May 25, 2009

The National are one of my favorite bands these days. I listen to Boxer and Alligator constantly and will jump at the chance to see them live, but I don’t think I ever need to photograph them again. They generally start out their shows slow and moody, with little accompanying lighting and the band members more or less just stand there during the performance. Lead singer Matt Berninger gets into some of the more uptempo numbers, but…

Concerts Verizon Center

Bruce Springsteen @ Verizon Center

Posted on May 19, 2009

It was a shame I only got to stay for three songs, but even in that short time I could see why everyone considers Springsteen a “must see.” “Badlands,” the first song of the night, was incredible. See more photos and read Chris Klimek’s ace review over on DCist.

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