Union Transfer

Conor Oberst Live at Union Transfer Philly 5-21-14

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My alarm clock went off at 6:30am this morning. It does everyday. The only difference today was that I had to get up and go to work with very few hours of sleep and it’s Conor Oberst’s fault. Late nights don’t happen much on work nights anymore.  Or usually when I do go during the weeknights to take some photos and listen to some music I will leave the venue early to ensure that I have enough rest to face the next day. Last night I couldn’t leave early. I couldn’t leave until I knew I heard every song that was going to be played. At most shows I’ve been to, and believe me I have lost count- it could be in the thousands at this point- people start to thin out the crowd around 11:15 or so. It doesn’t matter who is on the stage people start to leave, that’s a fact. Last night this wasn’t the case. The venue was packed and no one was leaving until the bitter end. In fact, the impatient crowd were stomping in unison for the encore with such passion that I thought we may fall through the floor of the bar.

The awesome melodies, the solid, tidy arrangements played by backing band Dawes, and the precision and crispness of the sound at the sold out show at Union Transfer last night was worth all the tiredness and pain I feel today. If you know me, you know that operating on less than 8-9 hours sleep doesn’t happen. It just doesn’t. And I would do it all over again. I got to hear songs that I never thought I would have a chance to hear live again- or ever for that matter (Method Acting and Hit the Switch). Reaching far back into the catalog for some old Bright Eyes and then stretching all the way over the rainbow to songs that were released as early as Tuesday of this week off of his new solo album Upside Down Mountain. Conor Oberst’s collection as expansive and eclectic as it is blended beautifully last night into a bouquet-set-list that didn’t disappoint one bit. A fully animated show completed my week and it was only a wednesday.

I always say that my ideal day should provide something to make me think, something to make me laugh, and something to help me make my own fun. Last night provided all three in one space. I feel grateful to be able to continually blend my love of music and creativity all in one place. Enough about me. To see more photos from the photo set click HEREImage

Desaparecidos 2/23/13 Philadelphia Union Transfer

Sisters Dissonance pulled it off again, we managed to get together despite 412 miles of Interstate between us. Shan traveled with our friend Cindy (Cindy’s amount of interstate was much more, like 600 miles) to catch the Desa show at Union Transfer in Philly this past Saturday night. For those of you familiar with the venue, you know it’s always a treat to see a show there—never a bad seat and the sound is always great.

Seeing the opener Joyce Manor was a first time experience for me. I did enjoy the energy and their sounds. But, from the pit taking photos (see the photo set here) I had to laugh, I’ve never seen so many fans body surf across the crowd, land on security and then make their way back to the crowd via the pit. That’s quite a testament to the security staff at Union Transfer—I didn’t see anyone ejected, just fans safely recovered from the surf and returned to the crowd! Go UT.

Desa came on and I was truly excited. It’s always hard to photograph a set of a band that I absolutely love. I get caught in between wanting to watch and listen, and having to take pictures. It’s nearly impossible to do the both with full intention, but I try (see the photo set  here).

Conor never disappoints with his “speeches” as the fans call them. I’ve seen a few surface on youtube.  He spoke and sang in protest (or support) of many current issues/causes. A banner and a speech about Bradley Manning was the biggest of the evening, if you aren’t aware of the issue or who he is I encourage you to check it out. And, though as ironic as it may seem for someone to sing about the lesser fortunate, and MAKING MONEY when they have so much, it’s very heartfelt and believable coming from Conor Oberst and I do believe he reaches the audience and creates awareness.

The night ended with “Spanish Bombs,” a Clash cover which I’m sure pleased and made Shan very happy (if you don’t know, the Clash is her first love). And on a side note, the venue was probably 70% guys as opposed to the Bright Eyes shows I’ve seen where the females dominate the crowd!

Enjoy the photo set. I write this post as I lament over the fact that I will not be attending tonight’s show despite the ticket I have upstairs in my room.

~Ady

ddlh

First Aid Kit | Countdown to the Newport Folk Festival: 18 Days!

Plucked from our video collection, here’s a beautiful, stripped down version of “Ghost Town” by First Aid Kit from their show at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, PA on March 31, 2012. First Aid Kit will be performing at the Newport Folk Festival on Saturday, July 28 and at the sold out show with Conor Oberst and Dawes at Jane Pickens Theater in Newport, RI on Friday, July 27. The SisDiss sisters are looking forward to seeing the Söderberg sisters, Klara and Johanna, perform!

Photo and video by Ady for Sisters Dissonance (photo from First Aid Kit’s 2011 performance at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC)