Spider Bags, La Salamandra

Spider Bags, La Salamandra, Durham NC, 10/28/11, originally uploaded by Ash Crowe.

Friday night was the first concert at La Salamandra presented by The Layabout & Bull City Records. It’s a great space for bands that have outgrown Craig’s living room at The Layabout.

It was loud, the drinks were cheap for the drinking set, the kitchen was open until after 1AM. Garage rock in a taqueria. Amazing.

Great crowd in great spirits. The bar seemed to be doing very well.
Hopefully all this means there will be more Layabout shows at La Salamandra, more chances to eat pupusas at 1 while watching a rock show.

I’m 100% for it.

Full photo set

7 bands on a Thursday

Astpai, Motorco, Durham NC, 10/27/11, originally uploaded by Ash Crowe.

Yes, I did see 7 bands play on a Thursday night in Durham (and shot 6 of them).

First of the early show at Motorco with 4 bands on their way to Florida for Fest.
Astpai was up first.

Jeff Rowe followed and was wonderful as always.

One Win Choice

Brett Adams (of The Riot Before) closed out the inside show at Motorco.

Then to the tunes of Primate Fiasco playing in the street out side Motorco, I made my way over to Pinhook.

Beautiful tunes by Hope for Agoldensummer

And Effingham closing out the night.

Have I mentioned lately that I love this town?

Links to the full sets from

Almost People, Motorco

Almost People, Motorco, Durham NC, 10/21/11, originally uploaded by Ash Crowe.

Red Collar, Cave

Red Collar, Cave, Chapel Hill NC, 10/25/11, originally uploaded by Ash Crowe.

Last night at the Cave was precisely the rock show I needed. Loud and packed with a great crowd and four bands I adore.

Gray Young opened and really kicked the night off correctly.

Restorations followed and, y’all, this band is just stellar. Loud, beautiful, punk rock. Perfect to sing and shout and smile along to.

I cannot be unbiased about Red Collar. I’m seriously fond of everyone in the band and the music they make. This band makes me remember why I love music, why a small packed venue for a late show on a week night makes sense.

The set was close to an equal mix of older songs and songs off their upcoming album and it was fantastic.

Look Mexico struck the exact right notes for the nightcap of a beautiful night full of the power and joy of music.

Full photo set

Wild Flag, Cat’s Cradle

Wild Flag, Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro NC, 10/21/11, originally uploaded by Ash Crowe.

This was amazing. I don’t have the words for how amazing it was. Just stunningly great, strong rock.