Bear in Heaven wrapped up their 10-week tour in Chicago on Thursday at the Vic Theatre. The Brooklyn psychedelic rockers were making their second of at least three stops in Chicago this year as they will return for the Pitchfork Music Festival in July. The three lined the front of the stage and pumped out rolling beats that were accented by lead singer Jon Philpot’s vocals that sound so much better live than any recording I have heard. Philpot’s chilling screams were a great compliment to drummer Joe Stickney’s beats that really moved the show forward. Bear in Heaven was opening for Metric click here for those photos.
Bear in Heaven at the Vic Theatre by eight one seven photography May 2010
Canadian rockers Metric came to the Vic Theatre in Chicago Thursday night to perform to a sold out all ages crowd. Throughout the night lead singer Emily Haines split time between banging notes on her synthesizer and marching around the stage leading the sweaty crowd in their dancing. At times her moves were robotic and anxious as she sang behind a mic stand before ripping it from the stand and exploring all sides of the stage. The band spent much of the night matching Haines’ excitement. Guitarist James Shaw took the show performing the occasional guitar solo that were so feverish it forced the crowd to slow their moves to take in the impressive notes. These were the only times the lower level of the Vic would slow their pace as the band belted out many of the tracks from their 2009 full length release Fantasies.
Metric at the Vic Theatre by eight one seven photography May 2010
Josh Ritter rolled through town with six giant light bulbs, four bandmates (The Royal City Band) and a lot of energy Saturday night to the Vic Theatre in Chicago. This was my first experience seeing him live after listening to his albums for several years now. I never would have guessed how much fun one of his shows would be. Ritter was joking with the crowd during many of the breaks between songs and during some of his songs. He rolled on the floor, jumped up and down, popped his collar and at one point he dropped to the ground to do a few pushups. His character and show were both very refreshing.
Josh Ritter at the Vic Theatre by eight one seven photography
Coheed and Cambria came to Chicago on the heels of releasing their 5th studio album but the album actually is a prequel to their first album. Yes, their albums are all conceptual and take on the form of a science fiction tale that is written and narrated by lead singer Claudio Sanchez using the lyrics of each album to tell another chapter of The Amory Wars. While all of that can be a bit daunting to try to take on as outsider looking in, one thing doesn’t fail – the band can put on one hell of a show! Sanchez spent much of the evening hidden by a full head of curly hair that hung in his face while singing. His hair flung around all night as he danced around the stage in a flash of lights. Many will try and label the band but the truth is they fall under many genres and even create their own but what it was for me was good old rock n roll played loud and fast with some wailing guitars and screaming fans.
Coheed and Cambria by eight one seven photography May 2010
Circa Survive came through Chicago with Coheed and Cambria as well. I normally don’t post separate blogs for all the bands but I was really happy with this night went. For starters, the Congress Theater wasn’t kicking the photographers out of the pit after the first few songs. So being able to stay as long as I want and have fun with composition and waiting for something to happen instead of following the bands every move was so much more rewarding. I feel the pictures speak for themselves…venues should change the rules to the first two songs and the final 15 minutes of the show and encore. I am open for discussion on this guys but I feel these shots of Circa Survive and Coheed and Cambria show how your concerts and your venue in a much better *light.
*that pun was terrible.
Circa Survive @ Congress Theater by eight one seven photography May 2010
Miami’s metal scene came to Chicago as Torche came through Chicago with Circa Survive in support Coheed and Cambria Friday night at the Congress Theater. Torche had a nice set but their trip to the windy city was soured after their van broken in to and more than $10,000 in equipment was stolen. According to this report from their label Hydra Head Records ‘…the quick rundown is that equipment, guitars, laptops, passports, personal belongings and, sadly, more was taken.’ Full Story Here They had to cancel the next night’s show in Detroit and since their passports were stolen had to cancel the entire Canadian leg of the tour they were scheduled to do with Coheed and Cambria. They are trying to do some quick DIY shows in order to make some money to replace their gear and try to get back on the road and accepting donations via paypal.
Donations can be paypal’d to TLCforTorche@gmail.com
Stay classy Chicago.
A list of the equipment has been released from Torche’s publicist and can be found on the Chicago Tribune’s webiste here.
Torche @ Congress Theater by eight one seven photography May 2010
I had all but given up on finding another Banksy in town when I saw a little chatter and thanks to a tip on Flickr by Molly I heard the ‘You concrete me’ piece was in Pilsen. Everything I had seen before said this piece was in San Francisco (with some of his best US pieces in my opinion). It’s fun. It’s cute. But again I wanted something a little more than comical. According to his website this is a Banksy but like all his other pieces I dont know and neither do you so let the debate begin.
Banksy 'You concrete me' 2010 eight one seven photography/william a. rice
Banksy in Chicago? Some people are doubting Banksy stopped in the “City of Big Shoulders” but his website has a picture from this same west loop location and the same buggy on it so many are assuming it’s legit. But can you ever really know? There is one thing for sure it will not be there forever.
I think it’s fun but he has put out so many pieces with such better themes or a message. There much more he could do in Chicago. Perhaps one with a message (or at least a clearer one). Chicago and America are full of things right now that seem like easy targets for Banksy. There is police and political corruption running rampant in this town, two wars and an environmental catastrophe. There is so much to talk about that doesn’t pay homage to Kevin Costner. C’mon Banksy where are the rest?
I am hoping for another to turn up real soon….
Until that happens here are some pics during the day and then I returned for some night shots too. You be the judge.
I was riding my bike north on Damen Avenue in Chicago the other day when I came across this guy. Lucky for me I had my camera in my bag, but at the same time it was in two pieces. I immediately turned around and rode back over the bridge that I wanted to get a shot of him crossing. I knew I had a little time because the bridge is at a pretty steep angle for the load he is carrying and he would be forced to slow down. I quickly dropped my bike and through my lens on as quick as possible and completely guessed on the ISO and shutter speed (which is why it is a little blown out) but I already knew I wanted to shoot it at f 2.8 to try and make him pop a little more. Now this guy is either moving across town or came across the ULTIMATE free sale in an alley! Either way I commend him for his effort and admire his dedication. I wish there had been more time to explore this picture and follow him a little more but I was getting close to being late to an afternoon appointment so this is all I could get.
In a strange turn of concert scheduling my April was bookended by concerts featuring Cymbals Eat Guitars. I saw them at Schuba’s on April 4 and at the Metro April 30. I am really glad I got the chance to see them at the Metro because the lighting is s0 much better and they actually had a photo pit for this show which is always a bonus.
Cymbals Eat Guitars - April 30, 2010 by eight one seven photography
After a hectic start to their most recent tour due to rescheduling and canceling shows because of the large cloud of ash hanging over their native country Wales (and most of Western Europe) from the erupting Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland Los Campesinos! is back in the swing of life on the road. The band was in Chicago over the weekend to play for an all ages crowd at the Metro with Cymbals Eat Guitars opening up. The septette crowded the stage of the Metro as lead singer Gareth jumped from every corner of the stage as he sang and screamed into the mic while dancing with the other members and playing the hell out of his glockenspiel! The crowd sweated on the packed dance floor as Gareth and Neil the guitarist both took their turns crowd surfing. The crowd sang along and clapped to the beat all through the encore before being sent out into the warm spring night wanting more.
Los Campesinos! April 30, 2010 by eight one seven photography
I realize these pics are a couple weeks old but they are one of my favorite new bands and really wanted to get the pictures out there for all to see. Also, for those of you in Chicago they will be back in town on May 10 with Shout Out Louds and again on Sunday of Lollapalooza. I highly suggest you check them out.
Freelance Whales April 4, 2010 by eight one seven photography
It seems all my favorite pictures recently are of people walking or passing by. This set will be no different. I was on a photo hunt and wandered through the Wicker Park neighborhood in Chicago. Many of my best photos are made by waiting. I find a scene I like and then camp out until I get the picture I want. I have had decent luck with this technique before. A rainbow umbrella passes by or a woman wearing a yellow coat will pass through a scene that is almost completely yellow. Here are a couple of people that crossed my path after I found these interesting shadows under the L tracks.
If I ever need to be reminded how awesome it is to live in Chicago, all I need to do is go mess around with my camera at the Kinzie Street Bridge.When I am riding my bike and I am anywhere near I usually make it a point to cross the river on this bridge. Yesterday was no different even though I was walking and I before I realized how long I had been out – I had journeyed for 5 miles and found myself near the bridge and had to shoot a couple frames. I know I am not un-earthing a new gem here since I see photographers here nearly every visit and this is a spot I love to take couples for pictures on their wedding day and the pictures always turn out great but there is usually another wedding party there doing the same. But it is still one of my favorite views of Chicago and I will continue to come back and take pictures and go home and smile when I see them. And as a friend of mine said the other day and I couldn’t agree more….
‘I pretty much love any view of Chicago as long as it’s from a bridge.’
Kinzie St. Bridge - Chicago, Ill. March 17, 2010
It was also the bridge John Cusack did the ‘Top five things I miss about Laura’ monologue in High Fidelity.
Living in the city (Chicago) with the best* skyline and the inventors of the modern skyscraper has given me an appreciation for the beauty in them. I think the Trump Tower is a very nice addition. I love the reflections it casts on sunny days. I think the design of the different levels as it shoots to the sky is wonderful. The only thing I am disappointed about is the ugly spire on top of it. I think there should be two spires, like the biggest and best looking Chicago skyscrapers. But, I am sure other people believe it to be just fine. I like to think it is an homage to the namesake and the poor decorating he has on his top but I read they had to scale back because of the shitty real estate market. Here are a few shots from the other day.
*This has been verified.
Trump Tower Chicago, Ill. March 2010 eight one seven photography
Trump Tower Chicago, Ill. March 2010 eight one seven photography
Trump Tower reflections Chicago, Ill. March 2010 eight one seven photography
Trump Tower Chicago, Ill. March 2010 eight one seven photography
What did I learn today? Always leave your facebook chat open because you may get a random message asking you to go to an acoustic performance by the Silversun Pickups. The Silversun Pickups are in Chicago for their show at the United Center with Muse tonight. However, Brian and Nikki stopped by the JBTV studio to record an acoustic set for an upcoming broadcast. I was not there photographing the event but I did happen to have my camera with me and snuck a couple shots during their last song. It was a great time with around 40 people there and Brian joking with the host (Ryan Manno of Q1o1) and even Lance – the soon to be famous guy in the front row. Look for the program to air soon and if I hear anything I will tweet when it will be on.
Brian of Silversun Pickups perfroming at the JBTV studios in Chicago, Ill. March 12, 2010 eight one seven photography
Nikki of Silversun Pickups perfroming at the JBTV studios in Chicago, Ill. March 12, 2010 eight one seven photography
I got out again yesterday in search of making a good picture in downtown Chicago. I do not know what it is about photographing in the loop but I can very rarely capture the feeling I get when I am there. Perhaps there are too many tourists or maybe I am just looking deeper than I actually should. I am pleased with a couple of the images I have made but I am not quite satisfied. They always leave me wanting more. I think next time I will try to hang out a little more in the financial district and see what kind of business folk I can get while they are talking on their phone and hailing a cab. Until then all I have is this woman and her purple hat from the corner of Madison Street and Wabash Avenue.
Eric Johnson, of the Fruit Bats, came on stage around midnight and performed the first song of the set, ‘Singing Joy to the World’ solo before bringing the rest of the four members of the band to the stage. Johnson, who formed the band in Chicago but is now based out of Portland is also a member of the indie rock group The Shins. The nearly sold out Lincoln Hall was treated to Johnson’s pleasant vocals as he floated between the guitar and keyboards throughout the night. The melodies and harmonies were particularly well during the night when Johnson was able to sit down and play the keys. A somewhat docile crowd spent most of the night bobbing their head with their eyes fixed on Johnson no matter where he travelled on stage.
The night and encore finished just as it had begun with only Johnson performing on stage with his guitar and sending the crowd home smiling.
Fruit Bats @ Lincoln Hall - Chicago, Ill. March 6, 2010 eight one seven photography
The Portland, Oregon rock quintet Blue Giant came through town on March 6, 2010 to play their first show (under this name) in Chicago. After recently switching up members of the band in February and being signed to Vanguard Records the band has much to be happy about on their first visit to Chicago as Blue Giant. Their set was filled with a solid rock, country and psychedelic mixture that you would expect from this group made up of members from other great Portland bands such as Viva Voce (Kevin and Anita Robinson) and The Decemberists (Chris Funk). The set was a very electric and rocking set – even if the crowd wasn’t. But I believe this will change once their first album as Blue Giant is released in July and the band comes back through on another tour. I suggest checking out some of their tunes available through their myspace page.
Blue Giant @ Lincoln Hall Chicago, Ill. March 6, 2010 - eight one seven photography
People that know me and many that follow my work on flickr can attest that I have an un-healthy obsession with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). I love that many of the trains are above ground giving off shrieks, shrills and the clanks of metal on metal echoes throughout the city at almost anytime of the day. Trains in the sky? Why yes, I think I will take a picture. However, my most recent pictures of the CTA have been focusing more on the bus systems and the passengers. Here are some pictures of the #74 Fullerton and #47 Western bus. The first one is from the #74 at the Western and Fullerton stop in Bucktown and the second shot is the same intersection but looking across Western Avenue and of the #47 passing by. The last shot is after the #74 bus system travels further west to Logan Square and a family boards at the Rockwell stop.
While the weather was perfect to be walking around in a long-sleeved shirt and no beanie for the first time in months – it wasn’t ideal for taking pictures during the middle of the day. With no clouds in the sky the light came down at vicious angles. While this may not be perfect for shooting a portrait – it definitely has a flair for the dramatic. It also gives me the super-contrasty look that I love in black-and-white photography. Here is my favorite one from the day. It’s at the six-way intersection where Bucktown and Wicker Park meet in Chicago.
Textures are always on my mind when I am out photographing. So I guess that makes me no different than nearly every professional and amateur photographer I have ever met. However, it amazes me how much variance there is in how each photog sees textures. Some love unique angles and some go for shallow depth of field. Some shoot the natural textures of the world and many love the beauty in a scene of a man made structure slowly withering away. Something I always look for is a super contrasty* scene and if there are lots of shadows to exaggerate this then even better! More recently, I have been shooting as much as I can with a straight forward approach and vantage point. I have been forcing myself to rely less on angles in hopes of honing my composition skills. Here are a few recent examples of textures from around Chicago this year.
I am not sure if I was cashing in some extra karma points or the photo gods were simply smiling down on me but something went right for me in Logan Square on February 23, 2010. About 5o meters in front of me were two guys juggling out their front door and into the yard. I know my steps quickened as I approached and I am pretty sure I yelled out ‘dibs’ before my friend and fellow photographer even knew what I was talking about. I mean come on – Jugglers! And he is smoking a cigarette! It’s just not fair this shit’s just too easy.
I feel my street photography has been improving dramatically these days. I’ve been figuring out ways of taking pictures while making it look like I am not. My ‘from the hip’ shots have actually been working quite well. But even beyond that I am getting over the apprehension of taking a strangers photo. I feel like I have a better sense of when it’s ok and like most things confidence goes far. However, I still end up taking lots of pictures of people working outside like these two pictures.
I take so many pictures when I am exploring Chicago that it takes me a while to get them all posted. I sometimes wonder that when I am gone someone will go through all my digital negatives. I wonder what they will think. If I could script it – I would make it happen about 50 years after I am gone. Anywho, My most recent trip through Logan Square was no different. Here was another of my point and hope shots as I walked. I must say I have gotten a lot better at these than when I first started. Perhaps I will never use the viewfinder again.
Trey Anastasio and Classic TAB came to Chicago’s Riviera Theatre on Friday February 19, 2010. The guitarist and lead singer of the jam band Phish has been touring with one of his many side projects in between Phish tours. A seemingly timid Anastasio walked on the stage grinning as he looked up to the crowd from behind his round glasses and shaggy red hair, as he waved to the crowd he flashed a smile that may not have left his face all night. All signs of timidness left as he slung his signature Paul Languedoc guitar around his neck and led the septet through the first few jams of a night of music lasting more than 3 hours. The seven members progressed through different songs by Trey while including a heavy dose of classic phish songs, many that began as TAB creations before being adopted by Phish.
Trey Anastasio 2010 eight one seven photography
Trey spent much of the evening orchestrating the band and the crowd. He used a number of hand signals, head nods or even just a smile to conduct the band and relied on his guitar to keep the audience moving. During Alive Again as he belted out the lyrics, “The time has come for you to be alive again!” and the sold out Riviera came alive. The audience screamed as they sang along, cheering and dancing in every corner of the theatre. At the end of the first set the other six members of the band left the stage and Trey treated the crowd to a four song acoustic set. It quickly turned in to a giant sing along as he played the Phish songs, Brian & Robert, Driver, Sample in a Jar and ending with the entire theatre screaming back and forth ‘Wilson’ as Trey played the song with the same name as their chant. (more…)
Annie Clark, who performs under the moniker St. Vincent, played to a sold out Metro crowd Thursday February 18. St. Vincent was in town for the first time since being announced as one of the headliners for the Pitchfork Music Festival this summer in Union Park. She arrived after a year filled with a flurry of buzz among music critics and fans about her 2009 release of Actor.
