Best of 2011: Albums

This has been another strong year for music. With the help of Spotify and some solid recommendations I listened to nearly 200 new albums this year but there were a few albums that stood out among dozens of great records. Without further ado, here is my list of the ten best albums released this year:

10) Portugal. The Man - In the Mountain in the Cloud


You can say whatever you want about Portugal. The Man but don't ever call them lazy. Since their debut album Waiter: You Vultures! was released in 2006, they've recorded and released at least one full length album every year and have spent all of the rest of their time touring. To their credit, each album has been unique and their most recent effort is the most complete album they've made.

9) Adele - 21


It's hard to imagine writing and recording any album at age 21. But to have that album go on to become a crossover hit with positive critical reception and become the best selling album of the year is unfathomable. That's exactly what Adele did with her sophomore effort 21 which is one of only a few times in recent memory when massive critical success has been warranted. I'd be shocked if she didn't sweep the Grammys in February.

8) The Parlor Mob - Dogs


One of the more interesting albums of the year. I fell madly in love with this album when it was released a couple months ago but somehow forgot about it. I revisited Dogs to make sure my infatuation wasn't baseless and I'm happy to report it's a solid album worthy of making my top ten list. The second full length album under the moniker The Parlor Mob is tough to describe or classify. It straddles the line of sappy and overproduced but is sincere enough to get a pass. 

7) Childish Gambino - Camp


Interestingly enough I had planned on making room on this list for EP but when the first full length album from Donald Glover was released in November it made me change my plans. For the uninitiated Childish Gambino is the alter-ego of actor and comedian Donald Glover who got the name from the Wu Tang name generator. Besides being very good on the NBC serires Commmunity, he is an excellent writer who put the best hip-hop album of the year.

6) Feist - Metals


After a hiatus of more than four years following her breakout album The Reminder, Leslie Feist came back stronger than ever with Metals. During the break between records Feist collaborated with several artists including a few performances with her former band Broken Social Scene. It appears the time away from her solo work gave her some perspective because Metals has a sound and production value lacking from her previous work.

5) Beirut - The Rip Tide


When I first heard the song 'Elephant Gun' a few years back I realized that Zach Condon of Beirut was a unique talent but he hadn't realized an entire album to showcase his potential. After spending a long time on the road, Condon went the Bon Iver route and wrote The Rip Tide while spending six months in an isolated winter cabin. The result is the best and most accessible album Beirut has released.

4) Wye Oak - Civilian


If you've watched The Wire, then you might not think of Baltimore as a thriving indie rock music scene but between Beach House, Cass McCombs, Future Islands, Animal Collective and Wye Oak it has quickly become a hot bed for great music. Wye Oak is the talented duo of Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack who released a fantastic record that was one of the most soothing and raw albums in recent memory. In a great year for female fronted bands, Civilian stood out as my favorite.

3) Explosions in the Sky - Take Care, Take Care, Take Care


As an enormous fan of Explosions in the Sky, I'd be lying to you if I told you that I was instantly in love with their most recent effort. I enjoyed the album the first few times I listened to it but something happened possibly around the time I saw them play live in September that each listen gave me a little different perspective. Like all great music it has the ability to amplify your emotions.

2) M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming


If there's one thing that I really owe to Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol, it's turning me onto M83 in early 2005 after Before the Dawn Heals Us was released. I eagerly anticipated Saturdays = Youth which was near the top of my list for the best albums in 2008 and Anthony Gonzalez has delivered the goods again. I cannot wait to see the songs from this sprawling opus performed live next month at Club Nokia then again at Coachella in April.

1) Bon Iver - Bon Iver


Many were stunned by the four Grammy nominations recently received for Bon Iver but I couldn't have been less surprised and was only disappointed that it missed out on an album of the year nomination. This was the best album released in 2011 and it's not up for debate. For the beautiful opener 'Perth' to the finale 'Beth/Rest' the album never once hits the wrong note and in many instances is awe inspiring.






Albums that just missed the cut:


Friendly Fires - Pala
The Antlers - Burst Apart
Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light
Moving Mountains - Waves
Cold Cave - Cherish The Light Years
The Drums - Portamento
This Will Destroy You - Tunnel Blanket
Foster The People - Torches
The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar
The Black Keys - El Camino

Best of 2011: YouTube Videos

Don't ask why I decided to make this category because I can't really explain it other than wanting to share some great clips and music videos. Since you can't really find music videos anywhere else these days I figured I'd split this list into two parts.

Top 11 Music Videos for 2011:

11) Los Campesinos! - By Your Hand

10) Childish Gambino - Bonfire

9) William Shatner - Bohemian Rhapsody

8) The Black Keys - Lonely Boy

7) M83 - Midnight City

6) Battles - My Machines

5) Bon Iver - Holocene

4) Duck Sauce - Big Bad Wolf

3) Four Tet - Pyramid

2) tUnE-yArDs - Bizness

1) Explosions in the Sky - Last Known Surroundings

Top 11 YouTube Videos for 2011:

11) Tom Selleck's Moustache

10) Sexy Sax Man Careless Whisper Prank feat. Sergio Flores

9) Ultimate Dog Tease

8) Kevin Durant: Catches Fire in the 4th Qtr (UNEDITED)

7) Year of the Beard

6) Jacob Tucker 5'10" Wins 2011 NCAA Slam Dunk Contest

5) Official Ojai Valley Taxidermy TV Commercial

4) Hey Jimmy Kimmel I told my kid I ate all their Halloween candy

3) Michael Winslow - Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin

2) ball champions

1) Reggie Watts on Conan

Best of 2011: Songs

I don't know why I ended up with a list of 30 songs last year but I've decided to repeat that format since it worked. As with last year's list, I'm only putting one song from each album to keep from having ten spots filled by Bon Iver songs. To listen to these songs and many more check out my Best of 2011 Spotify playlist.


30) The Kills - Baby Says
29) Telekinesis - Please Ask for Help
28) Mariachi El Bronx - Fallen
27) Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
26) YACHT - Dystopia (The Earth is on Fire)
25) Glassjaw - Daytona White
24) Childish Gambino - Be Alone
23) James Blake - The Wilhelm Scream
22) Little Scream - Cannons
21) Los Campesinos! - By Your Hand
20) The Joy Formidable - The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade
19) Tune-Yards - Bizness
18) Elbow - lippy kids
17) Wugazi - Sleep Rules Everything Around Me
16) Adele - Rumor Has It
15) Feist - How Come You Never Go There
14) Friendly Fires - Live Those Days Tonight
13) Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math
12) Beirut - Santa Fe
11) Portugal. The Man - Got It All [This Can't Be Living Now]
10) TV On The Radio - Will Do
9) The Naked And Famous - Young Blood
8) Explosions in the Sky - Postcard From 1952
7) Wye Oak - Holy Holy
6) Sbtrkt - Hold On (feat. Sampha)
5) The Antlers - I Don't Want Love
4) Cold Cave - Confetti
3) Bon Iver - Holocene
2) Jessica Lea Mayfield - Our Hearts Are Wrong
1) Kyle Andrews - Make Me Feel Human

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Podcasting

I had planned on making a list of my favorite podcasts and adding them to my end of the lists which will be posted soon but they are difficult to rank. Another factor was that I'm sure many of you don't listen to podcasts and maybe some don't exactly know what it is. It's worth noting that as I type this it indicates the plural of podcast is a spelling error.


Without getting too technical and just quoting the Wikipedia podcast page, I'll give you crash course into podcasting. It's generally an audio file (but sometimes video) which can be downloaded or streamed on your computer, iPod or smart phone. It's similar to a radio program, in fact numerous radio shows can be downloaded in podcast format to avoid the commercials and let you pause for your convenience. You might be surprised to learn that you can stream many podcasts directly to your phone with Stitcher or similar phone apps.


I do a fair amount of traveling for work and generally will listen to strictly podcasts while I'm on the road and alternate between music and podcasts while I'm in my office. As much as I absolutely love music it seems to make long drives go faster when there are a few comedians in the car with me.


It doesn't matter if you enjoy cooking or comedy, fashion or fantasy football, there is a podcast for almost any interest or hobby. And if you're a total weirdo, there's a whole category on iTunes for podcasts about podcasting. According to a recent count, there are over 600,000 podcasts available on iTunes. Below are a list of some of my favorite podcasts in alphabetical order along with a brief description and an episode that I recommend starting with.


The Adam Carolla Show
Start with May 23, 2011 Episode with Albert Brooks
A daily podcast with radio legend Adam Carolla as he interviews guests, discusses current events, plays entertaining games and goes on angry but often hilarious long winded rants. He is the Guinness World Record holder for most downloaded podcast and for very good reason.


The B.S. Report with Bill Simmons
Start with November 3, 2011 Episode with Adam Carolla
Bill Simmons is one of the nation's preeminent sports writers and a couple times each week he releases his podcast in which he is generally joined by a guest. Bill is a pop culture junkie and it's not just a sports related podcast clearly evidenced by the two part episode he did with fantasy analyst Matthew Berry in which they only discussed their favorite moments from Beverly Hills 90210.


Comedy Bang Bang
Start with Episode 126 with Jon Hamm, Paul F. Tompkins & Nick Lowe
Formerly known as Comedy Death Ray, this is a weekly podcast that is essentially an hour of improv comedy. The host Scott Aukerman is very funny himself but each week he acts as the ringleader to the most talented men and women in the comedy scene. This truly is comedy in its most pure form.


Doug Loves Movies
Start with June 17, 2011 Episode with Jon Hamm, Bill Simmons & Adam Scott
Comedian, pothead and movie aficionado Doug Benson hosts this weekly podcast in which he has guests who will discuss recent movies then play The Leonard Maltin Game in which the guests are given clues and have to bid on how many names of the cast list it will take to get the guess the movie title.


Hollywood Babble-On
Start with Episode 55 Babble-On Philadelphia
Hosted by radio personality Ralph Garman and director Kevin Smith who record this podcast in front of a live audience. They delve into the depths of showbiz as they dissect the top movies at the box office, upcoming projects and other random stories related to the industry. While Kevin Smith was out promoting Red State, Ralph was joined by some great co-hosts including Jon Lovitz, Adam Carolla, Bill Burr and Catherine Reitman.


How Did This Get Made?
Start with Episode 9 'Fast Five'/Adam Scott
This is possibly my favorite podcast available to the people of Earth. Every other week Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, Jason Mantzoukas and a guest try to explain the most inexplicable films ever made. Every two weeks that breakdown films like Love Guru, Old Dogs and Leprechaun in the Hood. There are also special episodes in which a special guest involved with the movie will sit down to explain how it went so terribly wrong.


Jordan, Jesse GO!
Start with Episode 192 with Rob Huebel
In the vein of Comedy Bang Bang, hosts Jordan Morris and Jesse Thorn record an hour long podcast that is equal parts interview, sketch comedy and radio play. Both hosts have a unique sense of humor that it well suited for this style of comedy.


The Kevin & Bean Show
Start with November 11, 2011 Episode
This is technically a radio show which is just edited and posted online in podcast form. I've been listening to Kevin & Bean for over a decade but now that it's in podcast form I can hear the whole show without the commercials and the same five songs from Linkin Park and Red Hot Chili Peppers every morning.


The Kevin Pollack Chat Show
Start with Episode 78 with Bryan Cranston
Have you ever asked yourself, what is Charlie Rose interviewed people I was really interested in and used the f-word on a somewhat regular basis? Then this is the show for you. Yes, that Kevin Pollack sits down once a week with actors, comedians, musicians, directors and others for an in-depth interview that commonly runs over two hours but always ends with the guest playing the Larry King game. For those interested, you can watch the interview live online and actually send questions to the guests via twitter.


The Mental Illness Happy Hour
Start with Episode 28 with Teresa Strasser
One of the more noble podcasting endeavors is the one done every week by Paul Gilmartin as he discusses his own battles with mental illness and tries to create awareness while also keeping the show entertaining. Paul has been a stand-up comedian for over 20 years and in each episode he talks with a guest about their neuroses.


The Nerdist
Start with Episode 134 with TJ Miller
Host Chris Hardwick discusses everything in the nerd culture which has actually migrated into pop culture. Chris and his co-hosts Jonah Ray and Matt Mira discuss all things nerd with their guests who are always interesting and not who you might expect.


NPR: Live Concerts from All Songs Considered
Start with Bon Iver Live From the 9:30 Club
If there is one area of podcasts that I believe is lacking it is music. There aren't many good music podcasts and I've tried several of them. That being said, the best available are the All Songs Considered podcast which previews and reviews new music and the Live Concerts series from All Songs Considered which allows the listener to experience full length concerts from many great bands in the alternative and indie music scene.


The Pod F. Tompkast
Start with Episode 13 We Have Returned
Comedian Paul F. Tompkins has been a guest on an absurd number of podcasts. If you don't believe me, just check this link. Paul's own podcast The Pod F. Tompkast doesn't seem to have a regular release schedule but as comedian Paul Gilmartin said "it's like comedy Christmas" every time a new episode is released.


The Rich Eisen Podcast
Start with September 7, 2011 Episode with Tom Brady, Adam Carolla & Dan Patrick
Typically this show revolves around the world of football (the good kind, not the European kind) but host Rich Eisen is well versed in comedy and pop culture but most of his conversations focus on the world of football. However, he will generally have guests from varied entertainment occupations along with some of the top talents in the football world.


Sklarbro Country
Start with Episode 31 with Patton Oswalt and Chris Cox (AKA Owen Wilson)
Sklarbro Country is what you get by combining sports, comedy, music, impersonators AND TWINS! Jason and Randy Sklar have been working comedians for nearly twenty years and achieved some notoriety with their ESPN series Cheap Seats. Each week the Sklar Brothers give their takes on the most outlandish sports stories around the globe, play some great music and interview terrific guests who are generally from the world of comedy. They also cap each episode by having the immensely talented Chris Cox and Jason Nash perform impressions of Tiger Woods, Owen Wilson, Bryant Gumbel, Vin Scully, Bruce Jenner and many more.


The Sound of Young America
Start with September 11, 2011 Episode with Nicolas Winding Refn
Released by Public Radio International this is a podcast hosted by Jesse Thorn that is generally only a half-hour in length but just long enough for an interview with some of the more interesting names in entertainment industry.


WTF with Marc Maron
Start with Episode 219 with Norm MacDonald
Marc Maron has long been known as a comic's comic. Which is really a nice way of saying he's been at comedy for a long time but hadn't really ever received a big break before starting his very successful podcast. Marc's style of humor isn't generally found in a brief soundbite which is probably why his long form interview show has earned him such a cult following.

Tow Zone

This story takes place shortly after I had graduated high school and the details are a little fuzzy. I drove from Redlands to one of the small concert venues in Hollywood. It could have been the Roxy Theatre, The Whisky A Go Go, or perhaps The Troubadour. I was meeting a girl and some of her friends for the Alien Ant Farm record release concert. My biggest attraction for going, other than the girl, was the fact that I had the same drum teacher as Mike Cosgrove from Alien Ant Farm. It was one of the first times I had driven myself down to Hollywood and since I was short on money I parked at a nearby grocery store.

When the concert ended I walked back to the grocery store parking lot to discover my newly painted blue Ford Ranger was missing. My heart began to race as I automatically assumed it had been stolen. Then I noticed the signs above a couple of the parking spaces noting that it was for customers only and all others would be towed.

I called the tow company from a pay phone and confirmed they had picked up my truck. The man on the other end of the phone warned me in a gruff voice you'd expect from the proprietor of a tow yard that the office was only open until midnight and if I arrived any later there would be a $100 after hours release fee. It was already past 11:00 PM and I had no ride because the girl had left a half-hour before I did.

Now racing against the clock, I darted across the street to chase down a taxi and told the driver my destination. The cab driver was making his way from Hollywood to the tow yard which was located somewhere south of the Interstate 10 freeway. For those of you unfamiliar with the greater Los Angeles area, this isn't a great distance but in a completely different part of town. As the cab fare continued to climb I now had a new fear as I rummaged through my wallet to realize I only had $14. The meter was now over ten dollars when I explained to the driver my limited budget. I asked him if they accepted credit cards but he quickly rejected that possibility. We were getting close to the tow yard but the cab fare was crossing $14. Perhaps he felt bad for me but he almost got to $15 before he stopped and let me out. He pointed me in the direction of the tow yard which was still about a mile away.

Now I was on foot in a completely unfamiliar and what appeared to be unsafe neighborhood. Trying to beat the clock while also attempting to avoid getting mugged for my now vacuous wallet I ran as fast as I could to the tow yard. I was about five minutes past the midnight deadline and I can't remember if the $165 I had to put on my credit card included the after hours storage fee but I really didn't care at that point.

This may sound odd but I soon felt the greatest sense of relief I had felt in my life up to that point. When I finally got into my truck and made it onto the freeway on ramp I was overwhelmed by a sense of euphoria that can only be experienced after you have overcome some kind of obstacle.

If You Could Take One Player...

Before the season started this year, I wrote something about the National League taking over as the dominant league in baseball.

I will first address the issue of interleague play which for all intents and purposes would be the best way to measure one league against the other. The American League again had a winning record (131-121) but it was the lowest winning percentage since 2004. Although interleague play is a good measuring stick it doesn't tell the entire story because the AL is filled with full-time designated hitters while the NL is generally forced to have a pinch hitter or back up position player used as the DH when playing at an American League park.


When the MLB All-Star Game was played in July and the National League won for the second year in a row it got me thinking about the best young players in baseball by position. The question that has been asked for years from one baseball fan to another is "If you were starting a team and could pick one player, who would it be?" I decided to expand upon that idea and pick one player at each position from any team. My answers to the question are listed below.


Catcher: Brian McCann (Runner-up Alex Avila)

Alex Avila is having a great season and leads all catchers in WAR (wins above replacement) but McCann missed significant time and has been a top player at the position for several years now. Victor Martinez technically qualifies as a catcher and has a great bat but he doesn't possess the defense to be a catcher you would want to build your team around. Unfortunately for the Minnesota Twins, it looks like the 2009 season was an aberration for Joe Mauer as he's no longer really in the conversation.


First Base: Albert Pujols (Runner-up Miguel Cabrera)

Normally a guy above 30 years old is automatically disqualified for this kind of hypothetical exercise but Albert Pujols is not your average first baseman. He's only 31 years old and has already amassed the following gaudy per season stats: .328/.421/.618, 40.8 HR, 123 RBI, 8.27 WAR. To put it into perspective, two weeks ago he hit two home runs which gave him 30+ HRs for all 11 seasons of his career and allowed him to pass recent Hall of Fame inductee Andre Dawson on the all-time home run leader board. Consideration was also given to reigning NL MVP Joey Votto who is quietly putting together another great season, Adrian Gonzalez who has shown what he can do outside of Petco Park this season and the other top defender at first Mark Teixeira. This position is so loaded that I hadn't even mentioned Prince Fielder who is having another great season (in an odd numbered year) and primed for a huge free agent payday.


Second Base: Dustin Pedroia (Runner-up Robinson Cano)

Fans of the Yankees and Red Sox can make arguments about Sabathia over Lester and Gonzalez over Teixeira but the toughest choice to argue is between Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia. Both players are 28 years old with nearly identical batting average and runs scored this year but that's where the similarities stop. Even though Cano has more power as is widely regarded as the top hitting second baseman in baseball, Pedroia has a far better eye at the plate as he draws more walks while striking out less. Pedroia is also the far better defender at his position which ended up making me change my pick from Cano. Kinsler, Zobrist, Weeks and Phillips are also in the conversation but consistency and injury risk keep them off the top of my list.


Shortstop: Troy Tulowitzki (Runner-up Jose Reyes)

This was the easiest pick and really it's not even up for debate. When the best offensive player at his position is arguably the best defender at his position, then your have a consensus pick. Jose Reyes is a distant second because of his injury concerns and Asdrubal Cabrera probably makes the third spot on my list. Although Cabrera makes some spectacular highlight reel plays, his defensive metrics are actually quite poor. Hanley Ramirez would have challenged Tulo a couple years ago but now he's only a footnote.


Third Base: Evan Longoria (Runner-up Jose Bautista)

I know what you're thinking: this is really fucking boring. Actually, I hope you're thinking, I'd take Bautista over Longoria and Bautista is more of a right fielder than a third baseman (he's played 25 games at the hot corner and 84 in right field this season). You'd be right on both accounts but if I was making a dream team I'd start with Longoria as my third baseman because of his age and tools then go with Bautista as my runner up because of position scarcity. Ryan Zimmerman has to be put into consideration and might have been my pick at the beginning of the season coming off back to back years with 7.0+ WAR.


Right field: Justin Upton (Runner-up Mike Stanton)

Both of these guys are young players with above average defense and unreal power. Justin Upton is the more senior of the two at 23 years of age and is carrying the Diamondbacks on his broad shoulders this season putting himself firmly into the National League MVP conversation. With an improved eye at the plate (career low 17.7 K%), Upton has 20 games left this season to shatter benchmarks he set in the 2009 season.


Center field: Matt Kemp (Runner-up Andrew McCutchen)

This was the toughest decision for me and you could really flip a coin between Kemp and McCutchen at this point in their careers. However, to me it appears Kemp is having a remarkable season with no protection in the line-up and finally living up to the five-tool potential that so many had said he possessed. Not that McCutchen is short on tools, in fact, his defense is far superior to Kemp but I don't see a 40/40 season in the future for McCutchen. Having career seasons both Jacoby Ellsbury and Curtis Granderson deserve a mention for center field. However, I'm not sure if the power is here to stay for Ellsbury. He has lowered his ground ball rate while increasing his line drive percentage but the HR/FB rate of 15.9% doesn't seem sustainable. It's easy to write off Granderson's power numbers as a product of Yankee Stadium and the short porch in right field but his splits show that he's been equally productive.


Left field: Ryan Braun (Runner-up Matt Holliday)

To say that Ryan Braun is a below average defensive outfielder is an understatement. Quite frankly, he's a bit of a liability with his glove but it doesn't matter. Since his debut with the Brewers in 2007 he's done nothing but rake. His strikeout rate has gone down each season including this year but his power numbers have remained in tact. Matt Holliday is the runner up in this position and Carlos Gonzalez (the centerpiece of the trade that sent Holliday to Oakland) also makes the list with Josh Hamilton. Carlos Gonzalez has some of the most eye popping home/road splits you'll ever see which keeps him out of the top two spots.


Starting pitching: National League

I won't go into too much detail about building a starting rotation but suffice to say that National League somewhat of a stranglehold on pitching superiority. Of the 15 pitchers in baseball with a FIP of 3.00 or below, nine of them are members of the senior circuit. If you look around the league at playoff contending teams, you'll notice that no team outside of the Angels has a rotation with more than two top tier starting pitchers. Compare that with the National League which has multiple teams with three of more dominant starters; Phillies, Giants, Braves and Brewers.


There you have it. Six of the eight positions on the field are populated by players from the National League and it's not really even close right now when comparing starting pitching between the two leagues.

Lucky #13

Attention football fans, degenerate gamblers and all those in-between: I am setting up a "13 Pool" for this coming football season.

"What's a "13 Pool" and why should I be interested?" Well, I'm glad you asked. It's based on a long running pool that my buddy has done in which 32 participants will pay $50 at the beginning of the season and will have a team randomly assigned to them. During each week there will be a prize pool of $80 paid out to the team or teams that score 13 points (2 field goals and a touchdown). If two teams score 13 points then each person will get $40. Also, if no team scores 13 points in a given week then the prize money will rollover.

If you take a look at last year's schedule, you'll see that on average 1 or 2 teams will score 13 every week.

I know you're saying, "Nolan, I did the math and it sounds like you're trying to scam everyone for $240." No, no, no. Not in your wildest dreams my friends. At the end of the season the teams that make it to the Super Bowl are each guaranteed $100 ($140 to the winner and $100 to the loser). This way if you end up with a team like the Patriots, Packers or my beloved Eagles then you still have a chance to win some coin.

I already have about half the spots spoken for so if you're interested let me know as soon as possible. I'll need to collect the money from everyone before first game on September 8th and we'll probably have the drawing for teams that evening.

In Concert: We'll Do It Live!

Shortly after posting something on twitter about attending Lollapalooza in 2008, my friend/follower Will told me that he had also attended that same Lollapalooza in Chicago despite the fact that we both live in the Los Angeles area. He sent me a link to an extensive list of concerts he's attended and it inspired me to do the same thing (AKA steal his idea).

This was made surprisingly easy because a few years back my brother bought me an album specifically designed to hold ticket stubs. I won't be able to include the dozens of Christian hardcore concerts I attended, not out of embarrassment but because I can't give you the dates or bands. I also won't include all of the times I saw local bands including my friends from In Ashes We Lie which was easily over twenty times for the same reason. The list is pretty dated but I have no shame for the music I enjoyed and in many cases still enjoy.


Aug 21, 1997 - Collective Soul at The Saltair - Salt Lake City, UT

Nov 22, 1997 - Face to Face at U of R Orton Center - Redlands, CA


Feb 6, 1998 - D.I. at The Barn - Riverside, CA

Feb 21, 1998 - Home Grown at The Barn - Riverside, CA

May 10, 1998 - Strung Out at The Barn - Riverside, CA

April 18, 1998 - Straight Faced w/ Backside at The Barn - Riverside, CA
July 2, 1998 - Van's Warped Tour (NOFX, Bad Religion, Pennywise) at Safari Field - Irvine, CA

Sept 25, 1998 - Voodoo Glow Skulls at The Glass House - Pomona, CA

Oct 16, 1998 - D.I. at Showcase Theatre - Corona, CA

Dec 7, 1998 - 88 Fingers Louie at The Barn - Riverside, CA
Dec 31, 1998 - Soma Live New Years Eve (Face to Face, Strung Out, No Use For A Name, Good Riddance) at San Diego Sports Arena - San Diego, CA


Jan 30, 1999 - Guttermouth at Fly Theater - Victorville, CA

March 5, 1999 - Lagwagon at Soma - San Diego, CA

April 1, 1999 - Ten Foot Pole w/ Diesel Boy at Showcase Theatre - Corona, CA

July 1, 1999 - 98 Mute w/ The Ataris at Showcase Theatre - Corona, CA

Sept 17, 1999 - Lagwagon at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Oct 23, 1999 - Pennywise at Cox Arena - San Diego, CA
Dec 12, 1999 - Good Riddance at Showcase Theatre - Corona, CA


Feb 12, 2000 - NOFX at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
April 15, 2000 - The Vandals at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
April 29, 2000 - Strung Out at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
June 30, 2000 - Van's Warped Tour (Green Day, Weezer, AFI) at Arrowhead Pond - Anaheim, CA
Aug 23, 2000 - Face to Face at Cane's - San Diego, CA
Oct 7, 2000 - Strung Out at The Palace (Avalon) - Hollywood, CA
Oct 19, 2000 - Dogwood at The Glass House - Pomona, CA


Jan 22, 2001 - Alien Ant Farm at The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA
March 5, 2001 - Face to Face at Cane's - San Diego, CA
March 25, 2001 - Propagandhi at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
June 28, 2001 - Van's Warped Tour (The Ataris, Blink-182, Fenix TX, Juliana Theory, New Found Glory) at Seaside Park - Ventura, CA
Oct 4, 2001 - AFI at The Palace - Hollywood, CA
Nov 11, 2001 - Yellowcard at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
Nov 17, 2001 - Pennywise at Cox Arena - San Diego, CA
Dec 13, 2001 - Saves The Day at The Palace - Hollywood, CA
Dec 14, 2001 - Yellowcard at The Glass House - Pomona, CA


Feb 21, 2002 - Alkaline Trio at Cane's - San Diego, CA
March 27, 2002 - Thursday/The Movielife at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
June 13, 2002 - Finch at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Sept 28, 2002 - Fairweather/Open Hand at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
Dec 6, 2002 - Piebald at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA


May 2, 2003 - Hopesfall at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
June 30, 2003 - In Ashes We Lie at Showcase Theatre - Corona, CA
July 19, 2003 - Reggie & The Full Effect at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Oct 23, 2003 - Saves The Day at The Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA
Nov 2, 2003 - Thursday/Thrice at The Grove of Anaheim - Anaheim, CA
Nov 28, 2003 - Alkaline Trio at The Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA


Jan 24, 2004 - Coheed and Cambria at Soma - San Diego, CA
Feb 11, 2004 - Sense Fail at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
May 29, 2004 - Silverstein at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
July 6, 2004 - Van's Warped Tour (Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Rise Against) at Coors Amphitheater - San Diego, CA
Nov 8, 2004 - Breakdance Vietnam at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
Dec 8, 2004 - Boys Night Out/Emery at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
Dec 18, 2004 - The Bled at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA


Jan 6, 2005 - Funeral For a Friend at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
March 31, 2005 - Taste of Chaos (My Chemical Romance, The Used, Killswitch Engage) at Long Beach Arena - Long Beach, CA
July 3, 2005 - Van's Warped Tour (Circa Survive, Fall Out Boy, The Offspring, My Chemical Romance) at Seaside Park - Ventura, CA
Oct 14, 2005 - Minus The Bear at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Nov 24, 2005 - Saves The Day at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Dec 4, 2005 - Propagandhi at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA


Feb 18, 2006 - Armor For Sleep/Copeland at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
March 9, 2006 - Minus The Bear at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
March 10, 2006 - Saves The Day at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
March 12, 2006 - Saves The Day at Soma - San Diego, CA
March 30, 2006 - Taste of Chaos (Deftones, Pelican, Dredg) at Long Beach Arena - Long Beach, CA
April 20, 2006 - David Gilmour at Gibson Amphitheater - Universal City, CA
July 26, 2006 - Circa Survive at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Sept 26, 2006 - TV on the Radio at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Sept 27, 2006 - Snow Patrol at The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 1, 2006 - We Are Scientists/Art Brut at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Oct 15, 2006 - Bamboozle Left (Brand New, Thrice, 30 Seconds to Mars) at Cal Poly Pomona - Pomona, CA
Oct 25, 2006 - Alexisonfire at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
Oct 31, 2006 - Say Anything at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Nov 8, 2006 - Minus The Bear at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Nov 13, 2006 - Explosions in the Sky at The Glass House - Pomona, CA


Jan 20, 2007 - The Fall of Troy at The Troubadour - Hollywood, CA
March 23, 2007 - Anti-Flag at The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA
April 13, 2007 - Say Anything/Saves The Day at House of Blues - Hollywood, CA
April 14, 2007 - Saves The Day/Say Anything at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
April 22, 2007 - Men, Women & Children at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
May 5 & 6, 2007 - The Bamboozle Festival (Muse, MC Hammer, "Weird Al" Yankovic) at Giants Stadium - East Rutherford, NJ
June 6, 2007 - Mewithoutyou/Manchester Orchestra at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Aug 11, 2007 - Rock The Bells (Rage Against The Machine, Wu Tang Clan, The Roots) at Glen Helen Pavillion - San Bernardino, CA
Aug 25, 2007 - Receiving End of Sirens at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA
Sept 14, 2007 - Scary Kids Scaring Kids at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Sept 30, 2007 - Jimmy Eat World at University of Redlands - Redlands, CA
Oct 4, 2007 - Dredg at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Nov 4, 2007 - Minus The Bear at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Nov 27, 2007 - Jose Gonzalez at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA
Dec 9, 2007 - KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas (Muse, Modest Mouse, Spoon, The Shins) at Gibson Amphitheater - Universal City, CA


March 3, 2008 - Foo Fighters at Cox Arena - San Diego, CA
March 21, 2008 - Nada Surf at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
March 25, 2008 - City and Colour at The Knitting Factory - Hollywood, CA
April 5 & 6, 2008 - Bamboozle Left (My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Jimmy Eat World) at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Irvine, CA
April 25-27, 2008 - Coachella (Prince, Roger Waters, Portishead) at Empire Polo Club - Indio, CA
July 5, 2008 - Dance Gavin Dance at Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA

July 28, 2008 - Bloc Party at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Aug 1-3, 2008 - Lollapalooza (Radiohead, Rage Against The Machine, Nine Inch Nails) at Grant Park - Chicago, IL
Sept 22, 2008 - The Raconteurs at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 26-28, 2008 - Austin City Limits (Beck, David Byrne, John Fogerty) at Zilker Park - Austin, TX
Nov 29, 2008 - M83 at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA


March 5, 2009 - Jimmy Eat World at Club Nokia - Los Angeles, CA
March 7, 2009 - M83 w/Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall - Los Angeles, CA
April 5, 2009 - Bamboozle Left (Deftones, P.O.S., The Bronx) at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Irvine, CA
April 17 & 18, 2009 - Coachella (Paul McCartney, Morrisey, Band of Horses) at Empire Polo Club - Indio, CA
May 8, 2009 - Dredg at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
May 29, 2009 - Propagandhi at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
June 27, 2009 - Explosions in the Sky - The Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA
Sept 2, 2009 - Nine Inch Nails at The Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA
Sept 5, 2009 - FYF (Black Lips, No Age, Cold Cave) at LA State Historic Park - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 23, 2009 - The Get Up Kids at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Oct 10, 2009 - Sunny Day Real Estate at House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
Oct 12, 2009 - Thursday at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Oct 14, 2009 - Say Anything at House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
Nov 2, 2009 - Minus The Bear at Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA
Nov 3, 2009 - Minus The Bear at The Glass House - Pomona, CA


Feb 16, 2010 - Alkaline Trio at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
May 24, 2010 - Minus The Bear/Shout Out Louds at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
June 19, 2010 - PacSun Beach Ballyhoo (Minus The Bear, Circa Survive, Ra Ra Riot) at Santa Monica Pier - Santa Monica, CA
July 17, 2010 - Thrice at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
Aug 12, 2010 - B.B. King/Buddy Guy at San Manuel Indian Casino - San Bernardino, CA
Nov 3, 2010 - Two Door Cinema Club at Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA


April 14, 2011 - Broken Social Scene at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
May 17, 2011 - This Will Destroy You at The Echo - Los Angeles, CA
May 22, 2011 - Yeasayer at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
June 4, 2011 - The Antlers at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Aug 2, 2011 - Dredg at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Sept 3, 2011 - FYF (Descendents, Broken Social Scene, Explosions in the Sky) at LA State Historic Park - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 15, 2011 - Friendly Fires at Club Nokia - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 17, 2011 - Manchester Orchestra at The Glass House - Pomona, CA


Jan 13, 2012 - M83 at Club Nokia - Los Angeles, CA
Jan 31, 2012 - Crosses at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Feb 23, 2012 - Wye Oak at The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA
April 12, 2012 - M83 at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
April 13-15, 2012 - Coachella (Refused, Radiohead, Bon Iver, Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre) at Empire Polo Club - Indio, CA
April 18, 2012 - Explosions in the Sky at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Aug 15, 2012 - Joe Cocker at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 1 & 2, 2012 - FYF Fest (M83, Refused, Twin Shadow) at LA State Historic Park - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 27, 2012 - Menomena at The El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 26, 2012 - Two Door Cinema Club at SOMA - San Diego, CA
Nov 10, 2012 - Minus The Bear at The Glass House - Pomona, CA

Feb 1, 2013 - Geographer at The Echo - Los Angeles, CA
April 18, 2013 - Vampire Weekend at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
May 30, 2013 - We Are Scientists at Detroit Bar - Costa Mesa, CA
June 28, 2013 - Twin Shadow at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Aug 10, 2013 - The National at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 14, 2013 - Godspeed You! Black Emperor at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
Sept 30, 2013 - Menomena/The Helio Sequence at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA
Oct 16, 2013 - Haim at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA
Oct 25, 2013 - Passion Pit at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 31, 2013 - The Reflektors (Arcade Fire) at Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA
Dec 9, 2013- Brand New at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA

Feb 21, 2014 - We Were Promised Jetpacks at The El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Feb 22, 2014 - Propagandhi at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
March 6, 2014 - Typhoon at The El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
March 10, 2014 - Russian Circles at The El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
April 18-20, 2014 - Coachella (Arcade Fire, Muse, Beck, Outkast) at Empire Polo Club - Indio, CA
May 4, 2014 - Manchester Orchestra at House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
May 25, 2014 - Propagandhi at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA
June 6, 2014 - Saosin at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
July 10, 2014 - Wye Oak at The El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Aug 8, 2014 - Spoon at Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Hollywood, CA
Aug 23 & 24, 2014 - FYF Fest (The Strokes, Phoenix, Interpol) at LA Sports Arena & Exposition Park - Los Angeles, CA
Nov 2, 2014 - Jimmy Eat World at Club Nokia - Los Angeles, CA
Nov 13, 2014 - Death From Above 1979 at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA
Nov 15, 2014 - Saves The Day/Say Anything at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA
Nov 22, 2014 - Minus The Bear at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Dec 28, 2014 - Face To Face at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA

April 8, 2015 - Tame Impala at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
Aug 7, 2015 - Outside Lands (Mumford & Sons, St. Vincent, Glass Animals) at Golden Gate Park - San Francisco, CA
Sept 16, 2015 - Hum at Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA
Sept 18 & 19, 2015 - Riot Fest (Alexisonfire, Weezer, Bleachers, Moneen) at Downsview Park - Toronto, ONT
Sept 25, 2015 - Mew at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA

Oct 3, 2015 - Taste of Chaos (Jimmy Eat World, Glassjaw, Thrice, Saves The Day) at Glen Helen Pavillion - San Bernardino, CA 
Oct 28, 2015 - Mini Mansions at The Masonic Lodge - Hollywood, CA
Nov 24, 2015 - Jeff Lynne's ELO at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA

April 11, 2016 - LCD Soundsystem at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
April 14, 2016 - Chvrches at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA
April 21, 2016 - Miike Snow at Pappy & Harriet's - Pioneertown, CA
May 6, 2016 - Explosions in the Sky at The Theatre at Ace Hotel - Los Angeles, CA
May 27, 2016 - The Who at Valley View Casino Center - San Diego, CA
June 1, 2016 - Yeasayer at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA
July 16, 2016 - We Are Scientists performing "With Love and Squalor" at The El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
July 30, 2016 - Kiefo Nilsson performing "The Point" at Small Green Door - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 12, 2016 - Neil Young at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
Oct 17, 2016 - Flock of Dimes at The Bootleg Theater - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 23, 2016 - Bear vs Shark at Echoplex - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 28, 2016 - M83 at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Nov 5, 2016 - This Will Destroy You at Teragram Ballroom - Los Angeles, CA

Feb 23, 2017 - Pinback at Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA
Feb 25, 2017 - Los Campesinos! at Teragram Ballroom - Los Angeles, CA
March 7, 2017 - Thrice/Manchester Orchestra at House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
March 9, 2017 - Japandroids at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA
April 11, 2017 - Banks w/ Jack Garratt at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
April 12, 2017 - Minus The Bear w/ Beach Slang at Belasco Theater - Los Angeles, CA
April 15, 2017 - Coheed and Cambria at The Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA
April 16, 2017 - Coachella (Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, Bishop Briggs) at Empire Polo Club - Indio, CA
April 18, 2017 - Glass Animals at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
April 19, 2017 - Local Natives w/ Tennis at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
April 20, 2017 - Future Islands at Pappy & Harriet's - Pioneertown, CA
May 21, 2017 - U2 at The Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA
May 26, 2017 - Brian Wilson at The Pantages - Hollywood, CA
June 12, 2017 - Rostam at The Masonic Lodge - Hollywood, CA
June 24, 2017 - Arroyo Seco (Tom Petty, Alabama Shakes, Broken Social Scene) at Rose Bowl Grounds - Pasadena, CA
July 27, 2017 - Portugal. The Man at House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
Aug 26, 2017 - Mew at The El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 18, 2017 - Explosions in the Sky at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 19, 2017 - Future Islands at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 7, 2017 - Cal Jam (Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Royal Blood) at Glen Helen Pavillion - San Bernardino, CA
Oct 21, 2017 - Ye Scallywag (Lagwagon, Strung Out, The Vandals) at Waterfront Park - San Diego, CA
Nov 18, 2017 - Propagandhi at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA
Dec 13, 2017 - Grizzly Bear at The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA

March 22, 2018 - The Decemberists at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
April 16, 2018 - Tash Sultana at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
April 17, 2018 - Fleet Foxes at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
April 19, 2018 - The War on Drugs at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
April 23, 2018 - The Drums at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
May 12, 2018 - KROQ Weenie Roast (Blink-182, Panic! at the Disco, Cold War Kids) at StubHub Center - Carson, CA
Aug 8, 2018 - Bon Iver at Santa Barbara Bowl - Santa Barbara, CA
Sept 22, 2018 - Lagwagon w/No Fun At All at The El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 12, 2018 - Mew at The Regent Theater - Los Angeles, CA
Dec 8, 2018 - Minus The Bear at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Dec 14, 2018 - Nine Inch Nails at The Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA
Dec 17, 2018 - Saosin at The Glass House - Pomona, CA

April 16, 2019 - Hop Along w/Soccer Mommy at The El Rey Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
April 18, 2019 - Chvrches at Pappy & Harriet's - Pioneertown, CA
May 4, 2019 - Just Like Heaven (Phoenix, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beach House)
May 9, 2019 - Bayonne at The Casbah - San Diego, CA
May 14, 2019 - Alejandro Aranda at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
June 28, 2019 - Mini Mansions at Teragram Ballroom - Los Angeles, CA
Aug 4, 2019 - Lord Huron at Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA

Aug 8, 2019 - "Weird Al" Yankovic at Pacific Amphitheatre - Costa Mesa, CA
Aug 22, 2019 - Rolling Stones at The Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA
Aug 31, 2019 - A Taste of Colorado (Kool & The Gang, KC and the Sunshine Band) at Civic Center Park - Denver, CO
Sept 3, 2019 - Bon Iver at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre - Morrison, CO
Sept 5, 2019 - Tycho at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 7, 2019 - Mariachi El Bronx at Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA
Sept 10, 2019 - Torche at Teragram Ballroom - Los Angeles, CA
Sept 12, 2019 - Explosions in the Sky at The Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA
Sept 13, 2019 - Explosions in the Sky at Yost Theater - Santa Ana, CA
Sept 21, 2019 - Gang of Youths at Roxy Theatre - West Hollywood, CA
Oct 25, 2019 - Green Day at Live House - Hollywood, CA
Oct 26, 2019 - Ra Ra Riot w/Bayonne at The Glass House - Pomona, CA
Nov 10, 2019 - Saves The Day at House of Blues - Anaheim, CA
Nov 21, 2019 - Alejandro Aranda at Belasco Theater - Los Angeles, CA
Nov 23, 2019 - Hippo Campus at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA

Jan 15, 2020 - Joyce Manor w/ Oso Oso at The Glass House - Pomona, CA

Jan 28, 2020 - King Princess at The Observatory North Park - San Diego, CA

Feb 1, 2020 - Caroline Polachek at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA

Feb 13, 2020 - Murder By Death at Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA

Feb 21, 2020 - Cold War Kids at The Novo - Los Angeles, CA

Aug 14, 2021 - Local Natives at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

Sept 1, 2021 - Future Islands at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

Sept 10, 2021 - Sylvan Esso at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

Sept 18, 2021 - Glass Animals at Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Hollywood, CA

Sept 29, 2021 - Lord Huron at Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Hollywood, CA

Jan 21, 2022 - Washed Out at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA

Feb 5, 2022 - Built to Spill at Pappy & Harriet's - Pioneertown, CA

Feb 18, 2022 - We Are Scientists at House of Blues - Anaheim, CA

Feb 26, 2022 - The War on Drugs at The Shrine Auditorium - Los Angeles, CA

March 16, 2022 - John Mayer at The Forum - Inglewoood, CA

March 19, 2022 - Bahamas at Belasco Theater - Los Angeles, CA

March 25, 2022 - Nation of Language at The Crocodile - Seattle, WA

April 20, 2022 - Deftones at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

April 22, 2022 - Brian Jonestown Massacre at The Wiltern - Los Angeles, CA

April 23, 2022 - Mogwai at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA

April 28, 2022 - Widowspeak at Zebulon - Los Angeles, CA

May 7, 2022 - Pearl Jam at The Forum - Inglewoood, CA

May 14, 2022 - Big Thief at Pappy & Harriet's - Pioneertown, CA

May 21, 2022 - Just Like Heaven (The Shins, Modest Mouse, Bloc Party, Interpol) at Rose Bowl Grounds - Pasadena, CA

May 31, 2022 - Spoon at Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA

June 1, 2022 - Jack White at YouTube Theater - Inglewood, CA

June 11, 2022 - Daniel Rossen at Pappy & Harriet's - Pioneertown, CA

June 29, 2022 - Norah Jones at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

July 8, 2022 - Fleet Foxes at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

July 29, 2022 - Leon Bridges/Little Dragon at Virgin Hotel Theater - Las Vegas, NV

Aug 25, 2022 - Jose Gonzalez at Ford Theater - Los Angeles, CA

Oct 7, 2022 - Lagwagon/Strung Out at The Observatory North Park - San Diego, CA

Oct 8, 2022 - Bonny Light Horseman at Lodge Room - Los Angeles, CA

Oct 18, 2022 - Walk The Moon at The Fonda Theatre - Hollywood, CA

Oct 21, 2022 - The English Beat at Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA

Nov 4, 2022 - The B-52s at YouTube Theater - Inglewood, CA

Dec 2, 2022 - Everclear w/Sponge at Pappy & Harriet's - Pioneertown, CA

Dec 10, 2022 - KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas (Imagine Dragons, Black Keys, Wet Leg) at The Forum - Inglewoood, CA

Dec 11, 2022 - JD McPherson at Pappy & Harriet's - Pioneertown, CA

April 12, 2023 - Boygenius at The Fox Theater - Pomona, CA

April 22, 2023 - Light Up The Blues (Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Willie Nelson, Joe Walsh) at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

May 6, 2023 - Westerman at The Casbah - San Diego, CA

May 13, 2023 - Just Like Heaven Festival (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Walkmen, M83, Future Islands, Caribou) at Rose Bowl Grounds - Pasadena, CA

May 25, 2023 - The Cure at Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA

May 30, 2023 - The National at The Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

June 2, 2023 - Bayonne at The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA

I know I'm missing several. My car was towed twice while parked near concert venues in LA (the first time my fault and one of the scariest nights of my life, but the second time it was at the urging of a friend) and neither of those concerts I have ticket stubs for or can remember the exact details about.


If you remember going to any of these concerts with me or went to one without knowing I was there, then post a comment. Also if there are some that you remember which I didn't add, then let me know about those also.