Quite Possibly the Best Show Yet

Last Thursday, when the Passionistas played the Make Out Room, I was able to step outside of the business aspect of New and Used Records and just become a fan. I really had a blast watching the Passionistas - they looked to be having so much fun; the set list was perfectly orchestrated and perfectly timed, complemented by a barrage of balloons onstage. Late in the set, the band broke out an old classic ("Push Hush") from Myles's early days (the song was featured in episode two of the video podcast). This was also my first opportunity to catch Tom on the drums, and he was absolutely phenomenal. The stage banter was also top notch and really, I'd have to say the Passionistas were in fine form, making me proud to be their label president.

There was an electricity in the air. Granted, it was somewhat bittersweet with this being one of the last weeknight concerts at the Make Out Room. But there was also a sense of celebration - with the Passionistas being featured in the Bay Guardian and the show being sponsored by Performer Magazine. Not to mention the two other great bands on the bill.

The Dont's kicked things off just after nine. Now, I've been bumping into guitarist Joe and bassist JJ at various places - the train, the laundromat, and a variety of shows - but I've had yet to actually catch the band live. The band's sound is pretyy unique and hard to peg. Clearly they're all skilled musicians with a good sense of pop music, but the sound they actually make seems to challenge that same pop structure. I also think these guys are a new breed of musician - the ones who know how o handle their business arrangements; I've learned quite a lot from talking to these guys.

And then the Happy Hollows hit the stage - a band I've been looking forward to seeing since first reading about them over at our friends Rewriteable Content. It was great to meet them and chat a little before and after the show, and the live show did not disappoint. Frontwoman and lead guitarist Sarah Negahdari tore up the stage with her frenetic energy, while the rhythm section of Charlie Mahoney (bass) and Chris Meanie (drums) kept up with ease. Mahoney also took on vocal duties for a few songs, perfectly complementing Negahdari's, which sounded trained, but also curious of the outer limits.

Needless to say, it was a blast - three great bands and several friends in attendance made for a truly memorable evening.