Minus the Bear Concert

This weekend has been amazing. Alek and I got to see Minus the Bear and they were very enjoyable. The opening bands were also both great. First was Mini Mansions, a three part band (drums, keyboard, and bass) who put on a very energetic live performance playing unique, groovy jams. Everest played next, with classic rock tinged style, and an awesome drum battle that really got the crowd involved.
Finally it was time for Minus the Bear to play. They put on an engaging show that had us all dancing, singing along, and pumping our fists to the choruses. Minus the Bear played a long set with a satisfying variety of old and new, mellow and dancey songs, and then came back onstage for a three song encore of The Fix, Into The Mirror, and Absinthe Party. Definitely a fun and memorable concert.

-T

Portugal. The Man Concert

Last night I went to see a Portugal. The Man concert. Needless to say, it was amazing. I expected them to be good, but their show completely exceeded my expectations. It started out with a great opening performance by Morning Teleportation. I had never heard of them previous to the show, but they were very enjoyable with both good music and an entertaining performance. Next was The Builders And The Butchers, who were alright, but not as good as the other two bands.

Then the moment I had been anticipating all evening. The stage filled with fog and then, in the midst of it, Portugal. The Man started their set. They sounded just as good, possibly even better, than on their albums. Their live performance had so much energy, which really brought the music to life. It was accompanied by a dope light show, which matched their music perfectly, and was one of the best light shows I have seen. They played a good variety of songs, both newer (The Sun, Do You, People Say) and older (Chicago,) and they even played an epic version of my favorite song of theirs, AKA M80 The Wolf complete with an improvised jam session in the middle. They played this song last, and when they finished the last crowd assisted, "I am but a man, but a proud, proud man," the place erupted in applause and then chanting for one more song. Portugal. The Man was happy to return to stage to play the beautiful acousic song Created, and then 1989, which was a great closer for the night. I'd recommend definitely attending Portugal. The Man when they play near you; I know I'll be going back to their next show.

-T