Tanya Donelly and Brian Sullivan recently released a wonderful new album under the moniker The Loyal Seas. The duo called upon Matthias Bossi, Russel Chudnofsky, Dean Fisher, Melissa Gibbs and Scott Janovitz to bring the recordings to life for a record release celebration at The Burren. The evening was a showcase for these new tunes as well as solo work from, and collaborations between, the various talented individuals on the stage. It was also a reminder of the how much joy a group of friends making beautiful music together can bring to a room.
Behind the Scenes at Boston Stands with the ACLU @ Paradise Rock Club 3.18.2017
Perhaps you saw my photos from the Boston Stands with the ACLU benefit show at The Paradise and thought to yourself “That’s unusual. Johnny is usually right up front when he takes pictures, but most of these photos are from the back. Was it crazy crowded and he couldn’t get up front? Was he trying out some new perspectives? Was there something else going on that prevented him from standing in one spot for 6 hours?” Well, I have answers to these imaginary questions you may or may not have asked yourself! Yes, it was sold out! Yes, but only because it was so crazy packed I couldn’t get up front! And yes, because I was also busy taking all of these photos!
Some really wonderful people were involved with putting this show together. The night raised $24,800 for the ACLU. The musical lineup was unbelievable. Seriously. Did that really happen? Jokes were told. Songs were sung. My head is still spinning. I’m going to take a nap. Right after I leave these here…
Check out performance photos from all of the acts on this amazing night:
Ken Reid
Bill Janovitz
The Gravel Pit
The Sheila Divine
Evan Dando
Belly
Juliana Hatfield
Nada Surf
Belly @ Paradise Rock Club 3.18.2017
It’s only one picture, but it’s a moment I won’t soon forget. Belly at Boston Stands with the ACLU. What a night.
Check out performance photos from all of the acts on this wonderful night:
Ken Reid
Bill Janovitz
The Gravel Pit
The Sheila Divine
Evan Dando
Belly (You are here)
Juliana Hatfield
Nada Surf
Tanya Donelly @ Paradise Rock Club 1.10.2015
After dueting with Mike Gent on “You’re So Vain,” Tanya Donelly was joined by Gail Greenwood for a handful of Belly tunes. Wow. Being able to witness those kinds of moments while raising money for a good cause is part of what makes Hot Stove Cool Music so special. Well done.
Mike O’Malley @ Paradise Rock Club 1.10.2015
In addition to hosting the Hot Stove Cool Music show to raise money for The Foundation To Be Named Later, Mike O’Malley took a turn with the house band to sing “Glad And Sorry.” Oh, you can also find photos of Mr. O’Malley in these posts. Go take a look. You’ve earned it.
Hot Stove All Stars @ Paradise Rock Club 1.10.2015
What would Hot Stove Cool Music be without a shoot-from-the-hip set by the Hot Stove All Stars? A rotating cast of well-known characters took to The Paradise stage with smiles on their faces and songs in their hearts. Good times for a good cause.
Robin Lane And The Chartbusters @ The Middle East Downstairs 10.3.2014
Robin Lane And The Chartbusters are legends in this town. If you need a refresher on why, this video explains it much better than I could. The band reunited for the Pipeline! at 25 shows.
Buffalo Tom @ Midway Cafe 11.9.2012
When you think of Boston bands that consistently write great songs, Buffalo Tom should be in your head. It’s no wonder Chris Toppin had a hard time paring down her wishlist for the band’s set at her birthday bash. Buffalo Tom played through a bunch of those request in front of an appreciative full house at the Midway. They even had a little help from their friends.
Tanya Donelly @ Midway Cafe 11.9.2012
Tanya Donelly backed by Buffalo Tom at the Midway? I never thought I’d see this. I’m not going to think about this one too much. It’s a special occasion. Special things happen. I’m just going to enjoy hearing some of my favorite Tanya-penned tunes* (along with a cool cover of “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”) and count my blessings. It is almost Thanksgiving, after all.
* “Slow Dog” anyone? So good.